Poodles are renowned for their high intelligence, elegant looks, and impressive agility. They are spirited, loving, and often keen to showcase their affection to their human companions. However, this friendly demeanor can sometimes manifest as undesirable behavior, such as jumping on people. While it might be amusing to see a Poodle’s enthusiasm, jumping can become problematic and even pose a risk to young children, elderly individuals, or anyone prone to losing balance. This article offers five practical tips to help you teach your Poodle not to jump on people.
⚠️ 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. Use Positive Reinforcement
Poodles, being intelligent and eager to please, respond well to positive reinforcement. If your Poodle jumps on you or others to get attention, redirect that behavior by rewarding them when all four paws are on the ground. Rewards can be treats, praise, or petting, depending on what your Poodle enjoys most. Over time, your Poodle will understand that they get rewards for staying grounded, not for jumping up.
2. Teach the ‘Sit’ Command
One effective way to prevent jumping is by teaching your Poodle the ‘sit’ command. When your Poodle is about to jump on you or a guest, command them to ‘sit.’ Treats, praise, or petting should follow immediately after your Poodle obeys. This command gives your dog an alternative to jumping and helps them understand that good things come from sitting calmly.
3. Implement the ‘Off’ Command
In conjunction with ‘sit,’ teaching the ‘off’ command can be effective in discouraging jumping. This command is especially useful in the middle of the action. If your Poodle jumps up, gently guide them off and say ‘off.’ Once your Poodle has all four paws on the ground, reward them with praise, a petting session, or a treat.
4. Ignore the Jumping
Another strategy is to completely ignore your Poodle when they jump on you. This involves no eye contact, verbal response, or physical touch. Once your Poodle calms down and has all four paws on the ground, give them the attention they seek. This technique reinforces the idea that jumping doesn’t yield attention, but calm behavior does.
5. Consider an Online Dog Training Course
Lastly, online dog training courses can be highly beneficial. These digital platforms provide comprehensive courses designed by professional dog trainers. They cover a wide range of behaviors, including jumping and offer methods to address them effectively.
An online dog training course gives you the convenience of training at your own pace from the comfort of your home. These courses generally include a mix of video demonstrations, written material, and interactive forums for discussion with other pet owners experiencing similar issues.
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.
Teaching your Poodle not to jump on people can be a process that requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Each dog learns at its own pace, so it’s important not to rush the process. Celebrate small victories along the way and remain dedicated to reinforcing the new, desirable behaviors. Remember, the goal is to ensure your Poodle can express their excitement and affection in a manner that is both safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. With these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to achieving just that.
Toledo, United States.