Dog Training - Teaching Your Dog the Jump Command

Has your dog mastered the heel command from your dog training? If so, you are ready to teach the jump command. You will need three types of hurdles - solid, bar, and broad jump. Put each hurdle in a different area where you plan to train. The broad jump should be set narrowly, and the bar jumps and hurdle should be set low. As your dog becomes more accomplished at jumpinng, you can widen/raise the hurdles, but to start, you want the hurdles to be super easy. Put the leash on your dog and hold the lead with both hands. Slowly walk your dog up to the bar and hurdle jumps, give the jump command, and walk over them, giving a forward thrust for encouragement. If the dog refuses to go over, pull gently on the lead while giving praise until he or she goes across. Generously praise your pet each time a hurdle is jumped. When your dog lands, give the heel command while jerking backward on the leash. Pat your side, and give encouragement for the dog to walk in the heel position. If your dog refuses to jump, keep lowering the bars or put the boards of the broad jump on their sides until a successful jump is performed. After your dog is accustomed to the different hurdles and is going over them on your command, you can stop jumping them along with the dog. Just walk beyond the hurdle to meet him as he lands. As the dog jumps, hold the leash straight out from the middle of the hurdle and then drop your arm as he lands. After the jump is completed, give the heel command, and snap backward on the lead. Pat your side, and give enthusiastic praise. Once your dog will jump without corrections, you are ready to try the exercise without the leash. Walk quickly toward the hurdle, point to it, and issue the jump command. Briskly pass the hurdle, walk slower, and give the heel command while patting your side. Be sure not to run when teaching your pet as this will excite him or her causing confusion and making training more difficult. The acceptable height for a jump is one and one half times the height of the dog. This measurement is from the withers which is from the top of the shoulder to the floor. The broad jump should be twice as wide as the height of the high jump. If your dog measures at 18 inches from the shoulder, the jump height should be 27 inches and the jump width should be 54 inches. For breeds that are heavy-set, these measurements should be adjusted downward. The height and width are very important as you do not want your pet to fall and get injured. Teaching the jump command is a fun part of your dog training efforts, and now you know the steps involved for your canine to master the command.

Copyright 2008