Hi, my lab has a big issue with jumping up. Especially when I have a dummy/ball in my hand.
What's the best approach for this?
We adopted her a while ago and have been working on training since, although very slack at times, I am now in a position to be 100% focused on her. We have many issues that need resolving, so sure I will be asking lots of questions
Pleasant expectation causes excited jumping. Presentation of good things like the feed bowl, the leash or in your case a dummy will reward the jumping dog if you are not observant about what is happening. All three can be discouraged by withholding the reward until the dog is settled, than it is given. However, I would point out, I have encouraged a dog to do whatever it wants in excitement if desire is lacking or non confidence is hindering what one wants from the dog. Once going well, then ease back to discipline.
Hi, thanks for responses. She will sit, but as soon as I get dummy out for instance shes jumping up to get it. when she calms down and sits she gets the reward of me throwing it, but its the initial jumping i need to control. Is it just a case of when she jumps, make her sit over and over until to she hopefully gets it?
If when walking her we see other people / dogs I put her on the lead as otherwise she is off and ignores any command from me. Her recall with ball / dummy is good, but otherwise poor. Should I start working with a long line to train recall for normal situations?
Sorry for all the questions, but new to this.
Your not on your own James, my one jumps constantly (yet another thing my inexperience allowed to become a problem) she will sit for a short time but soon starts jumping until ball or dummy comes out. Ignoring it doesn't work either.
Muddling along in the hope that one day it starts to make sense.
There seems like a deeper issue here. This dog is doing what it wants, when it wants. The "going deaf" when distractions are about or when there is something more interesting about, needs to be addressed.
The line would help, but she first needs to understand compliance.
With regards the sit/jump issue. I would first get her understanding that sitting does not mean jump when ready. She is seeing the presentation of the dummy as a cue to jump. A firm "No" would be all that is required. Once she is patiently sitting, I would let her have the dummy (not thrown) let her sit with it, and take it from her again. If she sits still for a short while, then throw it for her. You could move away from her as well this nay also prevent the jump (if her sit is solid)
Given that her compliance is nit 100% I would recommend you do this in a quiet sterile environment until she gets the message. Then gradually increase distraction.
Thanks, will give that a go.
I don't think she was socialized much before I re homed her, so whenever she sees other people / dogs she just wants to see / play with them, but until the jumping is resolved I am being cautious as to when to let her play etc. 100% agree on training in a quiet sterile environment. She is a major puller and if we do heel work in the park where I normally walk her she is constantly trying to go explore. If I do it on a quiet road near my house she is really good until she sees a cat etc.
Depending on what your end goal is with the dog, I would not get too concerned about regimented stuff right now, just get the basics nicely stabilised and get to know and understand each other. One critical thing people always seem to neglect to teach and instil in working bird dogs is patience, it is invaluable. How old is she?
