How to Train Your Dog to Jump

By Annie Clark

If your canine has mastered basic commands such as heel, sit and stay, jump would be a good command to teach next. By following the steps listed below, your can train your dog to jump.

You will need at least one type of jump to begin such as the bar. You may want to have several types to add variety. Set the bars to the lowest level so that all the dog has to do is walk across it.

To begin, put a leash on your dog, and hold the leash with both hands. Approach the jump, give the jump command, and lead your pet over the hurdle. When he reaches the other side of the hurdle, give the heel command. Be generous with your praise. As your pet masters the hurdle at the lowest level, keep raising the level a notch at subsequent training sessions.

The key to teaching the jump command is to never let the animal refuse to jump. If your canine balks, keep lowering the jump until he finally goes over it. Otherwise, your pet may refuse to jump on a regular basis since he or she has gotten by with refusing before.

Once your pet has become accustomed to the hurdles and will go over them when you give the command, you are ready to let the dog perform the exercise on her own with you holding the lead. As he jumps, be sure to hold the leash straight in front of the center of the hurdle and then bring your arm down as he or she lands. Give lots of praise.

When your canine is able to heel and jump without you having to give corrections, you are now ready to let the dog perform the exercise off lead. Approach the hurdle, point to it, and issue the command to jump. Quickly walk by the hurdle and then walk slowly while issuing the heel command and patting your side.

Be sure not to run when approaching the hurdle, because this excites dogs and makes them less likely to cooperate with you. Also, keep training fun and praise your pet enthusiastically. If you feel yourself getting frustrated, stop and do something your pet enjoys such as a game of fetch so that you won't alienate him from working with you.

You can use the steps above to train your dog to jump on command. Most of all, enjoy spending the one-on-one time with your pet.

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