Lhasa Apsos, with their distinctive long coats and small stature, are friendly dogs who are sometimes prone to a bit too much excitement, resulting in jumping. If your Lhasa Apso loves jumping on people, here are five tips to help curb this behavior.
⚠️ 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. Reward Good Behavior with Positive Reinforcement
The cornerstone of successful dog training is positive reinforcement. Essentially, you reward your Lhasa Apso for the behaviors you want them to repeat. Whenever they greet people without jumping, reward them right away. Rewards can be in the form of their favorite treat, a beloved toy, or a simple pat. Over time, your Lhasa Apso will associate keeping all four paws on the ground with good things.
2. Master the Basic Commands
Learning and following basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘off’ can be pivotal in controlling your Lhasa Apso’s jumping behavior. Ask them to ‘sit’ before they have a chance to greet someone, and reward them for their compliance. If they jump, use the ‘off’ command, and guide them gently back to the ground. With consistency and reinforcement, your Lhasa Apso will learn to curb their eagerness to jump during greetings.
3. Try the Ignore Technique
Dogs jump to get attention. Therefore, ignoring your Lhasa Apso when they jump can be an effective deterrent. Turn your back, avoid eye contact, and withhold interaction until they calm down and all four paws are on the ground. This approach signals that jumping does not lead to the desired attention, but calm behavior does.
4. Implement Time-Outs
If the jumping persists, consider using time-outs. When your Lhasa Apso jumps, calmly lead them to a quiet, safe space where they can settle down. This time-out isn’t punishment; instead, it helps them understand that jumping leads to a pause in fun interactions.
5. Explore an Online Dog Training Course
Lastly, think about trying an online dog training course. These courses offer in-depth, step-by-step guidance on a variety of dog training techniques, including handling jumping behavior.
Online dog training courses offer convenience and flexibility. You can progress at your own pace, and learn in the comfort of your home. These courses typically provide video demonstrations, written material, and community forums where you can connect with other dog owners experiencing 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 conclusion, teaching your Lhasa Apso not to jump on people involves consistency, patience, and a commitment to positive reinforcement. Every dog learns at their own pace, so remember to be patient and celebrate each small success along the way. Using these tips and the resources available in online training courses, you will be able to guide your Lhasa Apso to greet people in a respectful and calm manner.
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