The Pekingese, with its distinctive appearance and confident disposition, can sometimes manifest its enthusiasm by jumping on people. If you wish to teach a Pekingese to not jump on people, consider the following five tips.
⚠️ 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 forms the bedrock of most successful dog training techniques. If your Pekingese meets someone without jumping, quickly reward them. This reward can take the form of a treat, their favorite toy, or simply a few strokes of affection. Your Pekingese will gradually learn that staying on the ground equates to pleasant outcomes.
2. Teach Basic Commands
Instilling basic commands such as ‘sit’ and ‘off’ can be incredibly useful to teach a Pekingese to not jump on people. Before an opportunity arises for your dog to jump, instruct them to ‘sit’ and reward them for complying. If they jump, calmly say ‘off’ and gently guide them back onto the ground. Consistent reinforcement of these commands can significantly mitigate jumping tendencies.
3. To Teach a Pekingese To Not Jump On People, Adopt the Ignore Strategy
The act of ignoring your Pekingese when they jump can serve as an effective deterrent. As soon as your dog jumps, turn your back, avoid eye contact, and refrain from any interaction until they calm down and keep all four paws on the ground. This approach sends a clear message that jumping does not result in the desired attention.
4. Introduce Time-Outs
If the ignore technique doesn’t seem to be working, you can resort to time-outs. When your Pekingese jumps, calmly guide them to a quiet, safe space where they can calm down. The interruption of social interaction can help them understand that jumping isn’t acceptable and help you teach a Pekingese to not jump on people.
5. Explore Online Dog Training Courses
Finally, considering an online dog training course could be very beneficial. These courses provide a comprehensive guide to various training techniques, including how to deal with a dog that jumps on people.
Online dog training offers a flexible and convenient learning environment. You can learn at your pace and in the comfort of your home. These platforms typically feature video demonstrations, detailed written instructions, and discussion forums where you can connect with other dog owners dealing with similar 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.
In conclusion, teaching your Pekingese not to jump on people demands consistency, patience, and an understanding of positive reinforcement. Bear in mind that every dog learns at its own pace, so remain patient and celebrate each small victory. By employing these tips and leveraging the resources available in an online training course, you will soon have a well-behaved Pekingese that greets people respectfully and calmly.