Bloodhounds are unique dogs known for their extraordinary sense of smell and tracking abilities. They’re also known for their sweet-natured personalities and a tendency to be somewhat stubborn. Bloodhounds can be particularly enthusiastic when greeting people, which often results in them jumping up. Though it may be an expression of joy, this behavior can be problematic, especially considering the breed’s large size. Here are five useful tips to help train your Bloodhound not to jump on people.
⚠️ 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. Consistent Responses
The first key to training your Bloodhound not to jump on people is consistency in your reactions. If your dog jumps up, turn your back and ignore them completely – no petting, no talking, and avoid eye contact. Once all four paws are on the ground, that’s when you turn around and give them the attention they seek. By doing this, your Bloodhound will begin to understand that jumping results in isolation, while remaining calm gets rewarded with attention.
2. Teaching the ‘Sit’ Command
Teaching your Bloodhound the ‘sit’ command can help to prevent jumping. Before your Bloodhound has a chance to jump, ask them to ‘sit.’ Reward them for obeying the command immediately, using treats or affection. By repeating this routine, your Bloodhound will learn that sitting politely can also earn them the attention they desire.
3. Positive Reinforcement
Always remember to reinforce good behavior with rewards. This could be in the form of treats, toys, or simple praises like ‘good dog.’ If your Bloodhound approaches you or someone else and remains calm, not jumping up, then reward them immediately. This will help your dog associate positive outcomes with not jumping.
4. Controlled Greeting Exercises
It’s common for Bloodhounds to jump on people during greetings. To tackle this, organize regular controlled greeting exercises. Have a friend or family member approach your dog. If your Bloodhound starts to jump, the person should step back and ignore the dog. Once your dog calms down and stops jumping, it should then receive attention and rewards. Regular practice of this exercise can help reinforce the appropriate behavior during greetings.
5. Online Dog Training Courses
If your Bloodhound’s jumping behavior persists, you might find it beneficial to enroll in an online dog training course. These courses offer a wide range of helpful materials and resources, including video lessons, practical exercises, and interactive forums to share experiences with other dog owners facing similar issues.
Online courses are structured to accommodate your schedule, allowing you to learn at your own pace and repeat lessons as needed. They can provide you with a deeper understanding of dog behavior and effective techniques to address not just jumping but a variety of other behavioral issues.
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.
Training a Bloodhound not to jump on people is not an overnight process. It requires consistent effort, patience, and love. But with time, the right approach, and the help of comprehensive resources like online dog training courses, you can successfully teach your Bloodhound to greet people politely and calmly. Your guests will surely appreciate your efforts and your dog will be happier and well-mannered.
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via Whisker Therapy