How to Train a Puppy to Jump

You have been watching those freestyle Frisbee dog competitions for years, and you fantasize about competing with your own dog one day. Or maybe your goals are a bit less lofty -- you imagine your dog jumping through a hoop, over a fence or just into your arms on your command. Your puppy has the energy and the drive; you just need to know how to direct it. Training your puppy to jump is something you can accomplish with a little effort and knowledge.

Things You'll Need

  • Jump, size appropriate for your dog
  • Plastic or foam freestanding hoop, size appropriate for your dog
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Visit your veterinarian so your puppy can be thoroughly examined. You need to be sure it does not have any orthopedic issues that could cause injury if you start encouraging the puppy to jump on a regular basis.

      Different breeds reach maturity at different ages, so it may be that you need to wait until your puppy is at least a year old to train it to jump. Do not risk skeletal problems in your pet by jumping the gun in this situation.

    • 2

      Select a variety of treats that motivate your puppy. Some puppies love bacon-flavored treats, and some prefer liver. Others go crazy for cheese or carrots. Whatever treat you select, you need to be certain that your puppy is motivated by small amounts of it, since a big influx of rich treats in your puppy's diet could cause digestive upset.

    • 3

      Introduce your puppy to the item you want it to jump over or through. Walk your puppy around the item and allow it to fully inspect the item. Leave it where the puppy can access it freely for a couple days, until it becomes a familiar object.

    • 4

      Lay the jumping item flat on the ground and walk your puppy over to it. Using treats, encourage the puppy to step over and around it. Whenever the puppy steps over part of the item to be jumped over, reward your puppy with bits of a treat. The goal is for the puppy to become accustomed to stepping around the jump and to associate it with pleasure (the treats).

    • 5

      Turn the jump upright. A hoop should have one end flat on the ground; a jump should be at the lowest possible setting. Walk your puppy over the jump, encouraging and praising it with treats. Have your puppy sit on one side of the jump, then go around to the other side and call it. If necessary, pull gently on the leash to further motivate the puppy. Use the command you plan to use for jumping, perhaps "jump" or "over." When the puppy walks over the jump, offer it praise and treats. Repeat this step until your puppy is confident walking over or through the lowered jump.

    • 6

      Raise the jump or hoop a few inches, keeping it low enough that your puppy can still easily walk over it. Encourage your puppy to walk over or through it by calling the puppy and offering treats. Use your chosen command each time. When your puppy is comfortable with this height, raise the jump again.

      Keep raising the jump gradually in this manner until it reaches your chosen height. Be sure that you are not expecting too much from your puppy -- not all puppies are jumping athletes.

    • 7

      Practice jumping with your puppy often, offering praise and treats whenever it obeys.