(10 Mo Collie Mix) When trying to train a dog out of jumping behavior, as a trainer I know all about turning away from the dog and crossing my arms and not giving attention until the dog has 4 paws on the floor for a few seconds and then I can turn around but not right away so there’s no chaining of events (i.e.: “I jump and then I settle and then I get attention”). My question is whether or not this pup can be successfully trained to not jump if the owner doesn’t follow through on the same behavior as I’m doing? Is there something else I should be doing or advising her? She just yells at the pup to stop. The owner is both a friend and a neighbor and pet sitting client. I’m always making training suggestions (she has 3 dogs in total) but I’m not her hired trainer.

I fostered a litter of puppies which included my black Labrador, Captain, and taught them all to “sit” at 5 weeks in age. By 12 weeks in age they never jumped on people!

Inconsistency in humans can slow training! Sometimes, when we yell at our dogs to “stop” this can actually reinforce the unwanted behavior because they think to themselves, “I’m getting attention!”. Dogs need to know what it is you actually want them to do.

Try this!

Remember consistency is key! Have treats handy at the front door. As soon as you walk into your home ask your dog to “sit”. If they perform this cue you can give them a treat. Eventually they will learn that when they “sit” they will get treats and that jumping does not.

For more information, check out Truly Force Free Animal Training’s Good Manners Course here: https://trulyforcefree.com/course/truly-force-free-good-manners-course/