Old English Sheepdogs are known for their gentle and friendly nature, making them a favored breed among families worldwide. However, like any other breed, they also can develop some undesired habits such as jumping on people in their excitement. Here are five tips to help your Old English Sheepdog stay grounded during their interactions with 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. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a training method that rewards the behaviors you want to see, encouraging the dog to repeat them. Whenever your Sheepdog keeps all four paws on the floor when greeting or interacting with people, reward them with a treat, praise, or a favorite toy. This positive outcome will motivate your dog to repeat the behavior, as they start to understand that staying grounded brings rewards.
2. Teach Basic Commands
Training your Old English Sheepdog to understand basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘off’ can greatly help manage their jumping behavior. A well-timed ‘sit’ can prevent a jump before it even starts, while the ‘off’ command can help guide them back down if they’ve already jumped. Remember to always reward your dog when they respond correctly to these commands, reinforcing their understanding and compliance.
3. Ignore the Jumping
Often, dogs jump on people to get attention. If you ignore this behavior, your dog will understand that jumping does not give them what they want. When your Sheepdog jumps on you, turn away, avoid eye contact, and don’t respond until they calm down. Once their paws are back on the floor, reward them with the attention they crave. This technique might take some time, but your consistency will pay off in the long run.
4. Set Up Practice Scenarios
Arrange for situations that trigger your dog’s jumping behavior, such as visitors at the door or family members returning home. Instruct everyone to turn away and ignore your dog if they jump up, and only give attention once all four paws are back on the ground. Repetition of these practice scenarios will allow your Old English Sheepdog to understand what behavior is expected in these situations.
5. Enroll in an Online Dog Training Course
If you’re still struggling to curb your Old English Sheepdog’s jumping behavior, consider enrolling in an online dog training course. These courses offer step-by-step guides and various training techniques that can be very effective. They also cover a wide range of topics, from basic obedience and manners to specific behavioral issues.
An online dog training course allows you to learn at your own pace, making it a convenient solution for busy pet owners. With access to visual demonstrations, discussion forums, and expert advice, these courses can provide you with the tools and techniques to successfully train your dog.
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 your Old English Sheepdog not to jump on people requires time, patience, and consistent application of the techniques mentioned. Remember, every dog learns at their own pace, so it’s crucial to celebrate small victories along the way. By following these tips and exploring online dog training resources, you can effectively guide your furry friend toward more polite and grounded greetings.
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via Whisker Therapy