Wanna know how to train a small dog to stop jumping up on people? It’s the same way you teach a large dog to stop jumping up on people: Consistency, Timing and Motivation.
Train A Small Dog To
Stop Jumping Up On People
First: We need to be 100% clear to the dog that jumping up one people is never allowed (unless of course we give him a command to jump up, first). If the dog doesn’t first hear his “Jump up” command… then he’s going to get a leash correction. I explain more on how to give a leash correction in my book, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!”
So, we can say anything we like to the dog… as long as it’s not his name or his “jump up” command. I’ll tap my pants, yell the words, “Carmel Popcorn!” and dance around like a fool… anything I can think of that might tempt the dog. And no, it’s not unfair– because you’re going to be consistent about correcting your dog for jumping up.
Second: You must say, “No!” and give you dog the leash correction at the moment that he jumps up on people. If this means that you need to make you dog wear a leash or a tab (a short leash) around the house until he has proven himself to be 100% proofed… then so be it. Having the leash and collar on your dog is the only way you’ll be able to make sure your correction happens when he jumps. It’s also one of the few ways to give a motivational correction, if you want to train a small dog to stop jumping up… but more on that, later.
But what if it takes you a few seconds to get to your dog and administer a correction?
That’s okay. As long as you say the word, “No!” at the very moment your dog jumps up… and then keep repeating, “No, no, no,” as you go to your dog and correct him– then he’ll still be able to associate the correction with the behavior. Saying, “No, no, no,” is a bridging technique and it forces your dog to stay focused on what he just did. You’ll need to move toward him with quickness and authority, so that you keep his attention.
And finally, your correction must be motivational. Say, “No!” and then correct your dog with the leash. But here’s the kicker: I want you to immediately tempt your dog to jump up, again. (Just don’t use his name or his, “jump up” command!). Now, if your dog immediately jumps up again, this tells you that your last correction wasn’t motivational enough: Do it again, but this time do it more firmly. There is a trick to getting a good, motivational correction– but I’m not gonna go in that, here (hint: It’s in the book!)
In this video, you’ll see a couple of very sweet, very easy dogs. You can see that a quick tug and release on the leash is all that’s needed to get our point across.