How to Teach Your Dog to Jump Using The ‘Jump Command’.

Teaching your dog ‘commands’ is all about getting a desired response when you ask your pooch to do something, with either a verbal cue or hand signal. Dogs should learn what is good behaviour and what in unacceptable.
Dogs jumping up at people is not acceptable behaviour and should be discouraged. However, commanding your dog to jump over a log or fence, while you’re out for a walk, or in the case of a show dog undertaking ‘agility training’ exercises, teaching your dog how to jump is required.

Jumping up to grab objects is quite a natural and instinctive action and dogs quickly learn how to get up onto higher than ground level areas by themselves at an early age, so it’s not something that you’ll need to spend a lot of time on, except for making sure your dog understands when jumping is good, such as responding to a request or clearing an obstacle and when jumping is not desirable, as in the case of trying to kiss an unsuspecting person.

This obedience training article for dogs will teach you how to train your dog to jump up, on, over or through different objects and barriers using the ‘Jump Command‘ by implementing positive reinforcement training techniques.

The following list is what I recommend you have handy for this dog training command session:

• Small sized, soft treats that are very tasty
• Clicker
• Collar
• Training Leash, 5-10 Metres (16-32 Foot)
• Small quiet space with no distractions
• Assorted toys, low height stool or ottoman, taller stools or chairs, beam of wood or commercial jump bars & stands, hoola hoop

If you don’t have, or prefer not to use a ‘clicker’, you can substitute it by using the word ‘yes’.

Dog training essentials available from Ezydog Australia

If you’re not planning to take your dog through ‘agility training’ programs, there’s no need to purchase hurdles or adjustable jump bars from a pet shop or pet suppliers, but if that’s something you would like to do, either for competition or just for the training skills, then I would suggest you do invest in these because you’ll get lots of use out of them.

Steps to Teaching the ‘Jump Command’

There are basically 4 different everyday situations where we can use ‘Jump’ to instruct our dogs to leap into action. Starting with the basic motion of jumping up in the air, to getting into or out of a car and on or off a seat, to leaping logs with a single bound, and ending up with the most advanced example where we’ll teach our four-legged companions to pass through an opening.
The last two can also be considered trust building exercises because there could be situations where your dog can’t see what’s on the other side when jumping over or through a barrier, so is trusting that you won’t be putting him/her in harm’s way.

1/ Jump Up to Reach or Catch

Start with your dog sitting in front of you. Hold the treat about one to two feet (about half a meter) above his/her head. Introduce the command by saying ‘Jump’.

If your dog seems confused or hesitant at first, you can try putting the treat closer to your dog’s head. As he/she reaches up for it, move the treat up and away while simultaneously saying ‘Jump’. When your dog’s legs do leave the ground, ‘mark’ the good behaviour with your clicker or by saying ‘Yes’ and let your dog have the treat, followed by lots of praise.

Repeat the process, but this time increase the height you’re holding the treat above his/her head.

With regards to the starting height and the increments, you’ll need to consider your dog’s size with their physical agility ability. Some small dog breeds like Terriers can still jump up quite high, while some large breed dogs such as Bassett Hounds can’t jump very high at all.
For this reason, you may be sitting, kneeling or if you have a German Shepherd or Kelpie, you may need to be standing with your arm fully outstretched.

Keep repeating the process until your dog consistently follows the ‘Jump Command’ and gets into the air to take the treat. You’re not trying to set a height record here, just the action of jumping on command.

Lastly, replace the treat with an object such as a rope toy. Once your pooch understands what ‘Jump’ means, you can move on to throwing toys like balls and even frisbee’s, getting your athletic dog airborne.

2/ Jump Up onto an Object

Start with a sturdy low platform or ottoman, depending on your dog’s size.

Show your dog the treat and hold it above the bench or ottoman. Say ‘Jump’ and, if necessary, physically guide your dog onto the object. Once all four paws are on, ‘mark’ the event with your clicker. or say ‘Yes’ and reward with a treat and lots of praise.
Keep repeating this until you’re confident your agile pooch can jump up on command.

Your dog may be placing his/her front paws on the ledge and use those to help with their jump, before springing off their back legs onto the higher level. This is great to build confidence and is still getting them to end up where you want them after using the command.

Lastly, and to apply this training to a real-world situation, show some treats to your dog and have him/her see you place them inside your car’s backseat or rear compartment if you have a SUV for example.
Give the ‘Jump Command’ and point to where you’d like your dog to end up. When they do, again, ‘mark’ the event and reward by letting them eat the treats and praise.
You can now get your dog to jump down onto the floor and repeat the process.

There are going to be some breeds that will not be able to jump up that high, without using their front paws for assistance, and some you’ll need to select a lower height to practice with such as a public seat or bench, or small concrete wall.

Once you’ve got a feel for your dog’s capabilities and height, they can effectively jump up onto a platform without front paw assistance, you can practice out on walks, looking for anything that height or smaller to practice jumping up onto.
Gradually remove the clicker and treats from the reward but carry on with the praise once they have successfully jumped up on command.

3/ Jump Over a Barrier

Now that you know the height your dog can jump, it’s time to get them to clear a barrier by jumping over it.

Start with something they can easily clear. With your dog on one side, show them a treat and place it on the other side. Walk with them up to the barrier and when they’re next to it, use the verbal command ‘Jump’.

The height of the barrier should be something they need to step up onto, not low enough they can simply step over. Some dogs may also respond better with a faster pace and more excitement when you say the word ‘Jump’.

Continue practicing until your dog consistently jumps over the barrier without stepping onto it. This is important because a barrier in the future could be fragile and could crumble under the weight of your dog, potentially hurting him/her when it gives way.

Repeat the process with higher barriers until you’ve reached the height you know your dog can clear in a single bound without having to place his/her paws onto it for assistance. If possible, use different objects, some that are solid so your dog can’t see the other side, after first using some that he/she can.

As I mentioned above, this type of dog training asks your dog to place a lot of confidence in you. Effectively you’re asking your fur baby to jump blind, not knowing what’s over the top. Therefore, repay that trust by never placing your dog in harm’s way by making sure even if he/she can’t see, you can, and it’s safe for them to take that leap of faith.

4/ Jump Through an Obstacle

Lastly, an extension of jumping over an object, is to jump through something. Yep, you’re asking your dog to jump through hoops for you.

A child’s hoola hoop is a great tool for this exercise. If you’re in the backyard, and have had your dog on a long leash, you can take that off. Similarly to how we proceeded above, hold the hoop off the ground a few inches, with your dog on one side and using the ‘Jump Command’ throw the treat through the hoop. Your pooch should follow the treat, jumping over the bottom and through. When he/she does, ‘mark’ and reward with lots of praise.

Repeat, gradually raising the hoop off the ground. By using the command ‘Jump’ you’re asking your dog to do that, and given the prior exercise and practice, not use initiative and simply run underneath to the eat the treat.

Keep practicing, gradually removing the treats, and raising the hoop until your dog can jump through at the height they can physically jump.

Summary of How To Teach Your Dog The ‘Jump Command’

Consistency, practice and patience are the keys with all dog training. It’s also important not to keep repeating the command. You should aim to say it once to have your four-legged friend hurdle an obstacle in front of them when you’re out for walks or have to jump over a fallen tree with confidence.

Some dogs that aren’t overly motivated by food treats (rare) will almost certainly take to cooked chicken pieces. However, I would strongly suggest finding a commercial option that works because apart from the expense, chicken is messy and doesn’t last very long out of a sealed container in the fridge. There are many brands and flavours to choose from these days, and many are made with healthy natural ingredients. I would also suggest using and rotating several different types, so your dog doesn’t become used to just one.

As I mentioned above, purchasing commercial jumps may be useful if you’re wanting to practice or pursue that activity further down the track as part of his/her agility training.
Many of the larger pet shops, which you can find listed on Pet Directory will have these in stock.

Having trouble, or have a question about getting your dog to jump up, on, over or through a platform, obstacle or barrier after using the ‘Jump Command’?
Leave a comment for ‘Bear’ below and he’ll be happy to answer it for you, especially if you get his attention by using his name.

Also, if you haven’t already read the article on ‘How to Stop Dogs Jumping Up‘ on people, without being commanded to do so, it’s worth a read, especially if your dog has already started that unwanted behaviour, or is a medium or large sized breed of dog.

We at PetsBook also recommend getting out with your dog and join a training course.
Pet Directory has many dog training clubs listed near you with experienced and accredited dog trainers, ready to help you with dog obedience and dog command training.

» List of Dog Training Commands

Bear

Hi, I’m Bear, the Training Manager at PetsBook. With over 20 years experience using positive reinforcement dog training techniques, I’m proud to have the opportunity to help you develop a stronger bond with your fur baby, by teaching you useful commands with obedience training.