Miniature Pinschers, or Min Pins as they’re fondly called, is a lively and assertive breed. Their boundless energy can often translate into behaviors like jumping up on people. This can be concerning, especially when children or the elderly are involved. Here are five tips to help teach your Min Pin to stay grounded.
⚠️ 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. Make Use of Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the cornerstone of most successful dog training. When your Min Pin interacts with someone and remains on all fours, reward them instantly. The reward can be a tasty treat, a favorite toy, or even a quick cuddle. Over time, your Min Pin will associate not jumping with receiving positive attention, which will encourage them to repeat this desired behavior.
2. Teach Basic Commands
The commands ‘sit’ and ‘off’ are incredibly useful when you’re trying to control your Min Pin’s tendency to jump. Before they have a chance to jump, ask them to ‘sit’ and reward their obedience. If they do jump, use the command ‘off’ and guide them gently back to the ground. Over time, these commands will become instinctual, helping to curb jumping behavior.
3. Ignore Jumping Behaviour
A simple but effective strategy can be to ignore your Min Pin when they jump up. Dogs often jump to get attention, and by turning your back, avoiding eye contact, and refraining from speaking to them, you show them that jumping leads to the opposite of what they want. Once all four paws are on the ground, you can give them the attention they crave, reinforcing the right behavior.
4. Implement Time-Outs
If ignoring your Min Pin when they jump doesn’t seem to be effective, you can introduce time-outs. When your Min Pin jumps up, lead them calmly to a quiet, safe place where they can calm down. This brief pause in interaction can be a powerful message that jumping is unacceptable behavior.
5. Try an Online Dog Training Course
Finally, if you’re finding it difficult to train your Min Pin on your own, it may be worth considering an online dog training course. These courses provide an in-depth guide to a variety of training techniques, not only helping you address the issue of jumping but also aiding in overall obedience and behavior training.
Online dog training offers a flexible and convenient way to learn. You can go at your own pace, and because it’s all online, you can do it from the comfort of your own home. These platforms often include video demonstrations, detailed guides, and online forums where you can discuss issues and share experiences with other dog owners.
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 summary, teaching your Min Pin not to jump on people requires patience, consistency, and the understanding that positive reinforcement is key. Every dog learns at its own pace, so don’t be disheartened if progress seems slow. Celebrate small victories and remember that the journey of training your dog is as rewarding as the result. By following these tips and considering an online training course, you can enjoy the companionship of a well-behaved Min Pin who knows how to interact respectfully with everyone.
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via Whisker Therapy