How to Train Your Dog for High Vertical Jumping

The current world record for a dog high jump is 9 feet and 7 inches, set by a Kelpie at the 2007 Pedigree Working Dog Australian Kelpie Muster. The Dog High Jump event is being added to more dog agility shows every year. At most shows, the high jump starts at the 36-inch mark, with the top bar being raised from there. The most successful breeds at the high jump are greyhounds, border collies and Jack Russel terriers.

Things You'll Need

  • High jump, painted white
  • Collar
  • Lead, extra length
  • Treat (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a high jump. The cross poles should be painted white. White is a neutral color that does not distract the animal.

    • 2

      Measure your dog at the shoulder. Your target high jump for training will be two inches below the shoulder height. For instance, if your dog is 18 inches at the shoulder, your target will be a training height of 16 inches. To begin, set the pole at eight inches.

    • 3

      Put a collar with attached lead on your dog. Walk the dog to within a few feet of the jump, then stop. Focus on the jump. Wait until the animal is also focused on it.

    • 4

      Lead your dog quickly toward the jump, with encouragement. When it makes the jump, congratulate it with enthusiasm. Repeat this step several times, with the pole at the same low setting.

    • 5

      Take a break, then make the same run one more time before raising the top bar two inches. Make several more runs with your dog.

    • 6

      Gradually increase height at the next training session, until the dog is at ease. At this stage, repetition is important.

    • 7

      Move further away from the jumps at the next training session. This ensures that your dog will jump over the top pole without you being so close to it. For show jumping, it must learn to be at your left, obeying your voice commands, without the lead.