How to Teach a Dog to Jump

Jumping over obstacles and through hoops can be a lot of fun for some dogs. If you intend to show your dog, you need to train your dog in agility, which includes jumping. However, it is not good for all dog breeds to jump. Some dog breeds, that are prone to hip, shoulder and elbow problems, can get serious injuries from jumping.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Research the breed of your dog to see if jumping is recommended, or if it is not a good idea for your particular breed of dog. Also read to see how high you can expect your breed to be able to jump.

2. Make an appointment with the vet before beginning to teach your dog to jump. No matter what breed of dog you have, it is important to make sure she has a clean bill of health before beginning jumping. If she has any conditions that make it not good to jump, your vet can tell you.

3. Start with a jump that is not higher than 6 inches off the ground when you begin training. Put the jump out in the yard with the dog and let him get familiar with it. Leave the jump in the yard for a couple of days so he learns it is not something to fear.

4. Lead the dog to the jump by holding onto her collar. Hold a treat in your other hand and extend it to the other side of the jump. Give the verbal command "jump."

5. Move the treat to the dog's nose and then back it up again to the other side of the jump. At the same time, put pressure on the dog's collar towards the treat and the jump.

6. Praise the dog with enthusiasm when she jumps over the obstacle, and give her the treat.

7. Increase the height of the jump gradually, after he has mastered the initial jump. Be sure to stay within the recommendations for your dog's breed.

Tips & Warnings

• Only make a couple of attempts at teaching the dog to jump. If after 2 or 3 tries she has still not succeeded, take a break and play for awhile. Then go back to the jump and try again.
• Remain patient while teaching your dog to jump. Never yell at, hit, or punish a dog, while trying to teach him.