Havanese dogs, known for their playful demeanor and affectionate nature, sometimes channel their excitement by jumping on people. If you’re trying to teach your Havanese to avoid this behavior, the following five tips can be useful.
⚠️ 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. Embrace Positive Reinforcement
The use of positive reinforcement is a cornerstone of successful dog training. When your Havanese refrains from jumping and shows the behavior you desire, reward them promptly. The reward could be a treat, a favorite toy, or loving praise. This approach helps your Havanese to understand that keeping all four paws on the ground during greetings brings good things.
2. Master Basic Commands
Teaching your Havanese to follow simple commands like ‘sit’ and ‘off’ can help manage their jumping behavior. Before your Havanese greets anyone, command them to ‘sit.’ Praise and reward them when they comply. If they start to jump, calmly say ‘off,’ and guide them gently back to the ground. Consistent use and reinforcement of these commands can help control their jumping impulse.
3. Use the Ignore Technique
One effective way to discourage jumping is to ignore your Havanese when they do it. When they jump, turn away, avoid eye contact, and don’t interact until they calm down and keep their feet on the floor. This approach can help them understand that jumping doesn’t get them the attention they seek.
4. Implement Time-Outs
If your Havanese continues to jump despite using the ignore technique, consider introducing time-outs. When they jump, calmly lead them to a quiet, safe space where they can relax and understand that their behavior has paused the fun interactions.
5. Consider an Online Dog Training Course
Lastly, you might want to consider enrolling in an online dog training course. These platforms provide step-by-step training methods on various dog behaviors, including how to handle a jumping dog.
Online dog training courses offer convenience as you can learn at your pace, in your home, and usually on your schedule. They typically feature video demonstrations, written instructions, and community forums, where you can interact with other dog owners 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.
In conclusion, teaching your Havanese not to jump on people involves consistency, patience, and a commitment to positive reinforcement. Keep in mind that every dog learns at their own pace, so celebrate each small success along the way. By following these tips and utilizing the resources in an online training course, you can guide your Havanese to greet people in a respectful and calm manner.
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