How to Train a Husky to Not Jump on You
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Introduction
When a Husky puppy jumps up on your legs trying to get your attention, your first instinct is probably to coo and say "awww." In puppies, jumping up is cute and harmless. However, Huskies quickly grow up and begin jumped on by a 60-pound adult Husky is no longer cute and definitely not harmless. Imagine your Husky jumping up to greet your little old grandma, and suddenly the importance of teaching your Husky not to jump on you becomes clear.
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Defining Tasks
In the dog world, jumping up is a natural part of the greeting process. Dogs often lick each others' muzzles as a way to show affection and your Husky is likely trying to do the same to you. She will not understand scolding as a response. In reality, scolding your pup when she jumps will make her more likely to keep jumping on you, since a lick to the face is a dog's way of apologizing. Instead of scolding or punishment, you can help your Husky learn not to jump through consistent positive reinforcement of the behaviors you want to see. After a few weeks, your furry friend will learn how to greet you and your guests calmly and politely.
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Getting Started
You will need some tasty treats as you get started with this method. Jumping is a strong desire, so make sure you pick something delicious that your dog only gets during training time. It is important to have everyone who is interacting with your Husky follow the rules of not jumping. Don't let guests encourage your dog when she jumps, as this will only reinforce bad behaviors. While it may be difficult, being consistent with your Husky as she learns this new behavior is crucial to teaching her not to jump up on you.
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The I Can't See You Method
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Find out what makes your Husky jump
Keep a close eye on your pup for a few days and figure out what situations most often cause her to jump up on you. You will want to recreate these situations during your training time. Most often, dogs will jump up right when someone walks in the door or to get something they want that someone else has, such as a toy or their food bowl.
Tempt your Husky
Stage a situation that would cause your dog to jump up on you. You can go outside for a minute or so and then come back in. Or if your dog jumps when you hold her favorite toy out of reach, try this method.
Ignore her
As soon as your Husky jumps up on you, turn away from her completely and ignore her attempts to jump on you. Huskies are social dogs and this lack of attention will act as a deterrent.
Reward your dog when all four feet are on the ground
When your Husky stops jumping and places all four feet on the ground, you can reward her with calm praise and attention. Don't gush over her. Too much excitement will encourage her to start jumping again.
Be consistent
You should follow these steps any time your Husky jumps on you and have your guests do the same. Over time, your pup will learn that jumping doesn't get her what she wants, but a calm greeting does.
The Off-Sit Method
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Create a scenario which will make your dog jump
In a controlled training session, create a situation where your Husky often jumps, such as right when you come in the door or when she sees her leash and knows it is time to go for a walk. Have a treat ready in your hand and more treats somewhere in reach.
Sidestep
When your Husky tries to jump on you, step out of the way so she can't put her paws on you for balance. Ignore her if she continues to jump and don't interact with her until she settles down.
Looking down, not jumping up
Show your Husky the treat in your hand and then lower it towards the floor. You can issue a command here, such as "down" or "off." When she follows it with her nose, praise her and then give her the treat. This teaches your dog that looking down offers rewards, rather than jumping.
Redirect her energy
After looking down, tell your Husky to "sit." Once she does, give her verbal praise. You want to issue calm rewards at this point to keep from riling her up again.
Keep practicing
Repeat this exercise at least once a day. After your Husky gets the hang of the skill, start phasing out the treat and rely on the command words. You can also practice this method with unfamiliar visitors to make sure your dog cooperates in different situations.
The Out of the Way Method
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Encourage the action you want to stop
To start the training session, you need to create a situation which will encourage your Husky to jump up on you. While it may seem counter-intuitive, to train your dog not to jump you must first get her to jump.
Cut off all attention
When your Husky does jump on you, ignore her. Stand still, look straight ahead, and pull your hands and arms up to your chest so she has no access to you whatsoever.
Make her get out of the way
Issue the command word, "off," and then take a several quick steps towards your dog without stepping on her toes. She should jump back out of the way.
Keep her feet on the floor
Once all four of your pup's feet are firmly on the floor, quickly say "sit." She can't jump back up on you if she is already sitting. Most dogs are quick to act for commands they are already familiar with, so if you need to practice 'sit' further before starting to train this behavior, do so.
Give her some loving
When your Husky sits down, kneel near her and calmly stroke her. If she jumps on you, immediately stand up and restart this sequence to reinforce that jumping doesn't get what she wants. Keep practicing until your Husky is greeting people like a pro.
Written by Christina Gunning
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 03/15/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
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