Sheltie Training to Remedy Jumping in Dogs

Sheltie owners on the average are used to predominantly positive comments about their ward(s). These praises more or less compliment the breed's generally optimistic and cheery personalities.

But what will you do, as dog owner, with the rare sheltie that develops a habit that sticks out like a sore, er, thumb? In this article, the spotlight is on a sheltie, or even any breed for that matter, that is prone to lunging/ jumping out of excitement or enthusiasm towards people. It's correct that this behavior in general is well-meaning, but in the long-run it is really not the trait of a well-mannered dog.

Below, the steps for sheltie training to remedy pet jumping will be covered. The main ingredients that your training needs are accomplices, and the dog in question. These assistants are preferably around four or five family members.

Step 1: The assistant needs to be 20 feet away from the dog. You are preferably standing beside the dog, which is sitting down while either tethered or leashed (and you holding the leash).

Step 2: When the dog is sitting and still, the assistant can now walk towards the dog. Meanwhile, you yourself are not suppose to do anything at this point.

Step 3: If the dog even makes a move to stand, the assistant stops and both of you wait. The dog will then need to be reminded to go back to the sitting position. From step 1 up to now, silence from everybody is of great importance to train the sheltie, and the only time you get to say something is when the dog's attention needs to be focused, or when it needs reminding to sit.

Step 4: The assistant can start moving again, but stops and turns back every time the dog gets up, or steps toward the assistant.

Step 5: If the dog makes a move at least three times, the assistant needs to return to the start 20 feet away, and begin steps one to four all over again.

Step 6: But when the assistant is able to walk toward the dog with the dog remaining in the sitting position, heap lavish and generous praise on the dog! The assistant then needs to move to the dog and pet and praise it for 20 seconds. If the dog stands, it is still permissible. But if the dog jumps, then the assistant needs to turn away and training may need to start all over again.

Here are some additional information about this sheltie training:

Talking is part of the real life situations. But since you are training in stages, talking cannot be added until the dog is firmly trained in the "absolutely no talking" situation.

The dog will also need to stay at home, not being able to go out, until the "zero-jumping/lunging behavior" is firmly in place.

And what is the key to success? It's patience, consistency, teaching in steps, and guiding the dog to choose the right behavior!