How to Train a Dog to Jump Through Your Arms

Training your dog to jump through your arms is not only a flashy parlor trick, but it fosters a great deal of trust between you and your dog, which enhances your bond. People often visualize a small, quick, agile dog jumping through someone's arms, but any dog physically capable of fitting through your arms can be taught this exercise in trust. While this trick takes a bit longer than most to train due to the time it takes your dog to get comfortable jumping close to your body, it is well worth the time, energy and laughs. Expect to take at least a month to fully train this trick, if not longer.

Things You'll Need

  • Hula hoop
  • Treats
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Instructions

  1. Basic Skills

    • 1

      Choose a command to label this behavior. It can be "through," "jump," "hoop" or "arms." The label doesn't matter as long as you're consistent.

    • 2

      Train your dog to jump through a hula hoop. Hold the hoop at ground level, give the command, lure your dog through the hoop with a treat, and offer him praise. Repeat 10 to 15 times, twice a day, for about a week.

    • 3

      Raise the hoop gradually, about 2 to 4 inches at a time. Allow your dog to work at this height until he jumps through the hoop with no hesitation. Move on in your training timeline when you're holding the hoop straight out from your body at chest height.

    • 4

      Bring the hoop closer to your body by bending your elbow. Continue using the command you chose, and allow your dog to get comfortable jumping closer to your body. Move on when your dog will jump through the hoop with it touching your body.

    • 5

      Wrap your arms around the outside of the hula hoop. Command your dog through and give her a treat. Repeat 10 to 15 times, twice a day, until your dog is extremely comfortable and shows no hesitation.

    • 6

      Get rid of the hoop, but leave your arms in the exact same position as if you had wrapped them around the hoop. Command your dog through. She might show some initial confusion, but will quickly catch on. Give her several treats after her first jump. Repeat 10 to 15 times, twice a day, until your dog is comfortable.

    • 7

      Bring your hands closer together slowly, closing the circle. If your dog refuses to try to jump, bring your hands further apart and let her practice for a bit longer.

    • 8

      Close your arm circle completely. Continue treating your dog as she gets comfortable jumping this closely to your body.

    • 9

      Phase the treats out. Begin treating every other jump, and then every third jump. Treat every third jump for 3 to 5 days, then only treat sporadically.