Vizslas, renowned for their energy, intelligence, and affectionate nature, often become over-excited and tend to jump on people. If you’re seeking effective strategies to curb this habit in your Vizsla, here are five top tips.
⚠️ Note: While the tips below should get you started, it’s important to realize that for best results, you should take your German Shepherd through a more complete dog training course. Consider looking into an online training course that specifically addresses jumping (we like SpiritDog’s “Focus” course or K9 Institute’s Dog Masterclass)
1. Employ Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an indispensable tool in dog training. By rewarding desired behaviors, you encourage your dog to repeat them. If your Vizsla greets someone without jumping, promptly reward them. A reward can be a treat, their favorite toy, or a few pats. Gradually, your Vizsla will learn that four paws on the ground results in rewards.
2. Teach Basic Commands
Training your Vizsla to follow basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘off’ can be instrumental in managing their jumping behavior. Before your dog gets a chance to jump, ask them to ‘sit’ and offer a reward for compliance. If they jump, calmly say ‘off’ and guide them gently back onto the ground. With consistency and reinforcement, your Vizsla will begin to control their impulse to jump.
3. Implement the Ignore Strategy
Ignoring your Vizsla when they jump can effectively discourage the behavior. When your dog jumps, turn your back, avoid eye contact, and withhold any form of interaction until they calm down and all four paws are back on the ground. This approach sends a clear message that jumping does not result in the desired attention.
4. Use Time-Outs
If ignoring the jumping behavior does not yield results, consider introducing time-outs. When your Vizsla jumps, calmly guide them to a quiet, safe space where they can settle down. This is not a punishment, but a way for them to understand that jumping interrupts social interaction.
5. Consider an Online Dog Training Course
Finally, try enrolling in an online dog training course. These courses provide comprehensive, step-by-step guidance on various dog training techniques, including handling jumping behavior.
Online dog training courses offer a flexible and convenient learning environment. You can learn at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home. They typically include video demonstrations, written instructions, and community forums where you can interact with other dog owners dealing with similar challenges.
Our 2 favorite courses that address dogs jumping on people are:
1. SpiritDog’s Focus Course (best on a budget)
The “Focus in Public – Out and About” course by SpiritDog Training, led by expert trainer Steffi Trott, is designed to help dog owners improve their pets’ behavior in public. The course includes 21 lessons covering topics such as achieving full dog engagement, training perfect heels, teaching dogs to settle on a mat anywhere, and playing fun games in public places. The course has lifetime access and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass” (best overall)
More than just a course that teaches your dog not to jump, this more comprehensive training class tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
In summary, teaching your Vizsla not to jump on people requires consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. Every dog learns at their own pace, so remember to be patient and celebrate each small victory. With these tips and the resources available in an online training course, you will be on your way to having a well-behaved Vizsla that greets people respectfully and calmly.
Toledo, United States.
