My lab jumps like she's on a trampoline!

[cabinetshop777]

I'm not sure what to do - my lab is 6 months old....when she's super excited to eat or go out - she literally jumps 3 feet up in the air. I've tried turning my back on her and ignoring the behavior but she then jumps up on my back. Any ideas?
Thank you!
Kelly

[Maggiesmom1]

I can see it....the trampoline jumping lab! I think jumping is the hardest thing to train a dog not to do. I work at a shelter, and lots of our dogs jump. They do it for attention, they do it to be dominant, they do it for fun. One thing we are trying now is to take a milk carton and fill it with a few pebbles or pennies so it makes a lot of noise when you shake it. When the dog starts jumping, shake the jug in front of the dog and say "NO! Down!"

I don't know if you have done any training with your dog yet. But, I would teach "sit" first. Make him sit before you put his bowl of food down to him. If he isn't sitting, he doesn't get it. That's an easy one to teach, most dogs understand this concept very quickly.

You can also make him "sit" before opening the door, putting on his leash, etc...

Since you have a rambunctious lab, I would strongly recommend enrolling in a basic obedience class in addition to reading the sit, stay, fetch program. He's only going to get bigger and stronger. Better to get some control now, before its too late.

Also--be sure he gets lots and lots of exercise to burn off some of that energy. Walk him daily, play ball and run him. Maybe he'll be too tired to jump.

Good Luck

[cabinetshop777]

She's already knows sit and I do make her do that prior to eating. She could be on an olympic team for swimming so maybe I'll try making her super tired and see if that helps. I think she just likes jumping up in the air! She flies into the pool after a toy to retrieve it. It's pretty funny to watch her.

Thanks for your suggestions! http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dog/for...lies/smile.gif

Kelly

[Maggiesmom1]

I thought of something else to try....how about a weighted vest? That would help to tire the dog out more so jumping isn't its outlet for energy. I saw some in a catalog from Leerburg, try this link Leerburg Weight Vest.

Let me know what you think. All I know is a tired dog is a happy dog.