Are you tired of your enthusiastic pup greeting guests with a flying leap? Jumping on people may be a common behavior in dogs, but it can be quite frustrating and even potentially dangerous. The good news is that there are several effective online training courses available that can help you teach your furry friend to keep all four paws on the ground when meeting new people.
Whether you’re a new dog owner or have been struggling with this issue for a while, these six online training courses are worth considering to ensure a well-behaved and polite canine companion.
Our Picks for the Best Online Dog Training Classes for Teaching Your Dog Not to Jump on People
The iHeartDogs team reviewed all the popular online dog training courses that include a class on teaching a dog not to jump up. Here’s our top recommendations:
1. K9 Training Institute (Best Overall)
K9 Training Institute vows to train your dog to behave by using the same techniques used to keep service dogs so calm and well-behaved. Most of this company’s training focuses on body language instead of verbal commands. These methods can work for all dogs regardless of their age or breed.
This company’s online training starts with a free workshop that covers topics like barking, chewing, potty training, nipping, stop leash pulling, (loose-leash walking) house-breaking and ignoring commands. Once you complete the free training workshop, you can choose to purchase more online classes to further your furry friend’s learning. After all, training is something that should continue throughout your dog’s life, not just for one class.
The trainers at this company are especially passionate about helping train rescue dogs to give them better chances at success in their new homes.
Related: K9 Training Institute Online Dog Training Review
2. SpiritDog Training (Best on a Budget)
SpiritDog Training offers online dog training courses for canines of all ages, breeds, behaviors, and training levels. The dog trainers at this company have created videos to walk dog parents through each course, and you can rewatch videos as many times as needed. Every person who signs up for SpiritDog gets unlimited feedback from professional trainers for life. So, if you get stuck while watching a video, you can ask a trainer as many questions as you’d like.
You can choose from individual courses, or you can purchase bundles to save money. Here are some of SpiritDog’s most popular classes & bundles:
- Stop Resource Guarding
- Tackling Reactivity Bundle
- Ultimate Puppy Program
- Ultimate Masterclass Bundle
SpiritDog courses always focus on loose-leash walking, housebreaking your dog, positive reinforcement training to make training an uplifting, productive experience for dogs and set them up for success. These classes differ from in-person training because they allow you to train your dog at your own pace in an environment that’s comfortable for them.
3. Kingdom of Pets
Kingdom of Pets offers several books dedicated to dog training. Yet, many pet parents benefit more from seeing dog training in action rather than just reading about it. Thus, the company also has many online training videos for purchase, covering areas like leash walking, barking, chewing, and aggression.
Once you purchase a training package, you get lifetime access to that content. All courses from Kingdom of Pets aim to create positive experiences for dogs, and they teach customers how to effectively use reward-based training in a way that’s beneficial for both you and your canine companion. The trainers at Kingdom of Pets want to ensure that their training resources are effective for pet parents, so if you don’t find success within the first 60 days of training, you can get a refund with no questions asked.
However, this company allows you to try a free 6-day course before paying anything to ensure that this is the right training company for you. The free course offers information about dog and cat training, pet health needs, and animal behaviors.
4. Brain Training for Dogs
The professional trainer who runs Brain Training for Dogs spent ten years perfecting her training methods. Thus, her online training classes are in-depth and designed to tackle any behavioral issue in dogs, no matter how complicated the issues may seem. The training focuses on a dog’s mental stimulation to enhance their intelligence and learning capabilities. The courses will also help dog parents get to the root of the problem instead of only fixing it on a surface level.
Some of the many issues these training courses focus on include potty training, jumping, digging, excessive barking, and ignoring commands. The course videos get right to the point so you don’t have to waste any time. The trainer approaches each problem behavior by finding a way for the dog to understand what they’re supposed to be doing.
Once you order the bundle of all these classes, the trainer will offer you support along the way whenever you need it. The first 60 days of the program is a trial period, so if you don’t find success with the training practices, you can get your money back. That’s how important your dog’s success is to this company.
5. Dunbar Academy
Like K9 Training Institute, Dunbar Academy offers a Free Course Collection for dog parents that aren’t sure if online training is right for them. They offer several free courses, such as “Guide to Getting a Puppy or Dog,” “Six Simple Steps to Solve Your Dog’s Behavior Problems,” and “Dog Shelter Behavior & Training Program.”
If you like the way the free courses work, you can get more in-depth courses through a monthly or yearly fee. With the subscription, you can access hundreds of hours of content to help your dog succeed. That content includes videos, ebooks, podcasts, worksheets, and webinars, so there are methods that appeal to every person. You’ll also get access to a Facebook group where you can get training advice from dog trainers and other members.
You can also purchase individual bundles instead of a subscription if you only want to focus on certain training areas. Some popular bundles include Puppy Training, Behavior Problems, and a Games Workshop. The trainers at this company focus on games and reward-based training to get positive results.
6. Holly and Hugo
Holly and Hugo not only offers a variety of training courses, but they also have videos about animal behavior and care. With the help of pet experts and experienced teachers, you can access a variety of videos and content to improve your pet’s life. The courses cover topics like training, animal psychology, pet sitting, and grooming.
Customers can purchase courses individually or pay a discounted price to get access to all the courses. At the end, you get a certificate of completion. Some of the courses even qualify for CE and CPD points for dog lovers looking to pursue a career in the animal industry.
This training option is great for dog parents who like to work on a schedule because once you activate a course, you have 60 days to complete it (unless you choose to extend it). With a time limit in place, it can help keep you motivated to train regularly so your dog can succeed. The trainers at Holly and Hugo love dogs as much as you, so they set up these courses to provide the best support for your furry friend.
Frequently Asked Questions When Teaching Your Dog Not to Jump on People
- Why does my dog keep jumping on people?
Dogs jump on people as a way of greeting or showing excitement. This is a natural behavior for them, especially for puppies, because they want to reach our faces, and jumping is the only way to do that. It’s also a way for them to get attention. However, this behavior is often inappropriate and can be a nuisance, especially for dogs that are large or strong.
- How can I prevent my dog from jumping on guests?
You can prevent your dog from jumping on guests by teaching them an alternative behavior, like sitting when someone comes in. This way, you’re not just telling them what not to do, but also showing them what to do instead. Be consistent with this training and make sure you reward your dog when they behave correctly.
- What is the best way to react when my dog jumps on me?
If your dog jumps on you, the best reaction is to ignore them and turn your back. Any attention you give them, even negative attention like pushing them off or yelling, might be interpreted as a reward. Once they calm down and their feet are on the ground, then you can give them attention.
- Is it possible to train older dogs not to jump on people?
Yes, it is definitely possible to train older dogs not to jump on people. Dogs of any age can learn new behaviors and tricks, although it might take a bit longer with older dogs. The key is to be patient, consistent, and use positive reinforcement methods.
- Is it necessary to use a leash while training my dog not to jump?
A leash can be very helpful while training your dog not to jump on people. It gives you more control over your dog’s actions and prevents them from jumping before you can intervene. Over time, as your dog becomes better at staying grounded, you might not need the leash anymore.
- Why does positive reinforcement work better for training a dog not to jump?
Positive reinforcement works better because it encourages your dog to perform the correct behavior rather than punishing them for a wrong one. By rewarding your dog when they don’t jump, you’re showing them the behavior you want to see. This method builds trust and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
- What kind of rewards should I use when training my dog not to jump on people?
The type of rewards you use will depend on what your dog finds motivating. This could be treats, toys, or praise. Using a mix of these rewards can be more effective and make the training process more enjoyable for your dog.
- How long does it usually take to train a dog not to jump on people?
The time it takes to train a dog not to jump on people can vary greatly depending on the individual dog, their age, and how consistent you are with the training. However, many owners see significant improvement within a few weeks to a few months of consistent training.
- What should I do if my dog keeps jumping on children?
Children can easily get knocked over by a jumping dog, so it’s important to address this. You can try teaching your dog an alternative behavior, like sitting or lying down when they see a child. If your dog is very excited, it might be best to keep them on a leash around children until they’ve been trained properly.
- Why does my dog only jump on certain people?
Dogs might jump on certain people because they are particularly excited to see them, or they might have learned that these people give them attention when they jump. If this is the case, ask these people to help with your training by turning away and ignoring your dog when they jump.
- What do I do if my dog jumps on strangers during walks?
In such situations, it’s helpful to anticipate and manage your dog’s behavior. Teach your dog to sit or stay on command, and use these commands when you see a stranger approaching. Make sure to reward your dog for good behavior. If your dog is especially excitable, you might want to consider professional training classes.
- How can I ensure consistency in training my dog not to jump on people?
To ensure consistency, everyone in your household should follow the same rules and use the same commands. If possible, inform your guests about your training as well. Consistency is key in dog training – mixed signals can confuse your dog and make training take longer.
- What should I avoid doing when training my dog not to jump?
Avoid punishing your dog for jumping as this can cause fear or anxiety. Also, avoid inadvertently rewarding your dog for jumping by giving them attention, even if it’s negative. Instead, ignore the jumping and reward your dog when all four paws are on the ground.
- Can professional dog training help with my dog’s jumping behavior?
Yes, professional dog training can definitely help. Trainers have experience with all kinds of dog behaviors and can provide valuable guidance. This can be especially helpful if you’re struggling with training, or if your dog is particularly stubborn or excitable.
- How do I maintain my dog’s training not to jump on people long term?
To maintain your dog’s training long term, keep reinforcing the correct behavior even after they’ve learned not to jump. This could mean continuing to give rewards occasionally or reminding them of the command if they start to slip. Remember that training is not a one-time thing, but a continuous process.
With the availability of these excellent online training courses, you no longer have to feel helpless when it comes to teaching your dog not to jump on people. Remember, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key to successful training. By enrolling in one of these courses and dedicating some time and effort, you’ll soon see a remarkable improvement in your dog’s behavior. Say goodbye to those embarrassing jumping episodes and enjoy the pleasure of having a well-mannered dog who greets guests with a wagging tail and a polite sniff instead. So why wait? Start exploring these online training courses today and pave the way for a harmonious relationship between you, your dog, and everyone they meet.