Great Pyrenees are majestic and gentle creatures known for their protective nature and calm temperament. Despite these traits, they, like all dogs, can sometimes develop a habit of jumping on people. Here are five effective tips to teach your Great Pyrenees 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
The power of positive reinforcement should never be underestimated in dog training. By rewarding the behaviors you want to encourage, your Great Pyrenees will learn to associate those behaviors with positive outcomes. If your dog greets someone without jumping, give them a reward, such as a treat, verbal praise, or a favorite toy. By doing this consistently, your Great Pyrenees will understand that keeping all four paws on the ground during greetings is a good thing.
2. Teach Basic Commands
Teaching your Great Pyrenees to follow basic commands such as ‘sit’ and ‘off’ can greatly help in controlling their jumping behavior. Practice commanding your dog to ‘sit’ when they’re about to greet someone, rewarding them promptly when they comply. If they jump, use the ‘off’ command and guide them back to the ground gently if needed. Consistency and rewards will make these commands stick and teach your dog proper greeting manners.
3. Implement the Ignore Technique
One reason dogs jump is to get attention. By ignoring your Great Pyrenees when they jump, you teach them that this behavior won’t get them what they want. When your dog jumps, turn your back, avoid eye contact, and withhold any interaction. When they have calmed down and all four paws are on the ground, give them the attention they crave. This teaches your dog that calm behavior gets rewarded with attention.
4. Introduce Time-Outs
If ignoring doesn’t curb the jumping, try using time-outs. When your Great Pyrenees jumps, calmly lead them to a quiet and safe area where they can settle down. This isn’t punishment but an opportunity for them to calm down and understand that jumping leads to a pause in fun and social interaction.
5. Try an Online Dog Training Course
Lastly, consider signing up for an online dog training course. These courses often offer a wealth of knowledge from seasoned dog trainers, providing effective techniques and detailed instructions to manage various dog behaviors, including jumping.
One major advantage of online dog training courses is their convenience. You can learn and apply the techniques at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home. These courses typically provide video demonstrations, written content, and community forums where you can connect with other dog owners who might be facing 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.
Teaching your Great Pyrenees not to jump on people requires patience, consistency, and a commitment to positive reinforcement. Each dog learns at their own pace, so remember to be patient and celebrate the small victories. Consistently reinforcing the behaviors you want to see will help your dog understand that calm and respectful greetings are the best way to interact with people. With these tips and a dedicated approach, your Great Pyrenees will soon learn to greet people politely, making them even more enjoyable to be around.
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