How to Train Your Border Collie to Stop Jumping on People

Lisa Bennett

April 25, 2023
11:11 am

How to Train Your Border Collie to Stop Jumping on People

Border Collies are intelligent, active, and playful dogs that make wonderful pets. However, they can sometimes be over-enthusiastic and jump on people, which can be a problem. Jumping can be a natural behavior for dogs, but it’s important to teach them appropriate ways to greet people without jumping. In this blog post, we’ll explore tips and techniques on how to train your Border Collie to stop jumping on people.

Why do dogs jump?

Dogs jump for various reasons, and it’s important to understand why your Border Collie is jumping. Jumping can be a sign of excitement, greeting, or even anxiety. Some dogs may jump to assert dominance or get attention. Understanding the underlying reason for your dog’s behavior is essential to address it appropriately.

Why is jumping a problem?

Jumping can be a problem for several reasons. For one, it can be intimidating, especially for children or elderly individuals. It can also be dangerous, as a jumping dog can knock someone down, causing injury. Additionally, it can be challenging to control a jumping dog, and it can make it difficult to build a strong bond between the dog and the owner.

Tips and techniques to stop your Border Collie from jumping

Ignore the jumping behavior

One of the most effective ways to discourage your Border Collie from jumping is to ignore the behavior. When your dog jumps on you, turn your back and cross your arms over your chest. Avoid making eye contact or speaking to your dog until they stop jumping. Once your dog has calmed down, turn around and greet them calmly.

Teach your dog an alternative behavior

Teaching your dog an alternative behavior, such as sitting, can be an effective way to stop jumping. Whenever your Border Collie jumps on you or someone else, ask them to sit instead. Once your dog sits, reward them with a treat or praise. With consistent training, your dog will learn to associate sitting with positive reinforcement, and the jumping behavior will diminish.

Use positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in dog training. Reward your Border Collie with treats or praise whenever they exhibit good behavior, such as sitting calmly or greeting people politely. This will help to reinforce the desired behavior and discourage jumping.

Train your Border Collie to stay

Training your dog to stay can also be an effective way to stop jumping. Begin by asking your dog to sit, then take a step back and say “stay.” If your dog remains in a sitting position, reward them with a treat or praise. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the stay, and remember to reward your dog for good behavior.

Use a leash and collar

Using a leash and collar can be a helpful tool in controlling your Border Collie’s jumping behavior. When your dog jumps on someone, pull the leash gently to redirect their attention. This will help to teach your dog that jumping is not an acceptable behavior.

Socialize your Border Collie

Socializing your Border Collie can be a great way to help them learn appropriate behavior around people. Expose your dog to different environments and people, and reward good behavior with treats or praise. This will help your dog learn how to behave appropriately in social situations.

Seek professional help

If your Border Collie’s jumping behavior persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to seek professional help. A professional dog trainer or behaviorist can help you identify the underlying cause of the behavior and develop a customized training plan to address it.

Teach your Border Collie to be calm around people by providing distractions such as treats and toys

Teaching your Border Collie to be calm around people can be a process that takes time, patience, and consistency. One technique you can use to help your Border Collie remain calm around people is to provide distractions such as treats and toys. Here’s how:

Start with basic obedience training: Before you can teach your Border Collie to be calm around people, you need to establish a foundation of basic obedience training. This includes teaching your dog commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”

Use positive reinforcement: When your Border Collie displays calm behavior around people, reward them with treats or praise. This will help reinforce the behavior and encourage your dog to repeat it.

Use distractions: When you’re introducing your Border Collie to new people, provide them with distractions such as treats or toys to help keep them calm and focused. This will help redirect their attention away from the person and onto the treat or toy.

Gradually increase exposure: Start by introducing your Border Collie to one new person at a time, and gradually increase exposure as they become more comfortable. Always keep training sessions short and positive.

Practice in different environments: Once your Border Collie is comfortable around people in your home, practice the same techniques in different environments such as parks or outdoor cafes. This will help your dog generalize the behavior and remain calm in different situations.

Remember, teaching your Border Collie to be calm around people is a process that takes time and patience. By using positive reinforcement and providing distractions such as treats and toys, you can help your dog learn to remain calm and focused around new people.

Socialize your Border Collie with other dogs and people in a controlled environment

Socialization is an important aspect of training for Border Collies, as it helps them become comfortable and confident around other dogs and people. To socialize your Border Collie, it’s important to do so in a controlled environment. Here are some tips:

Start early: The earlier you begin socializing your Border Collie, the easier it will be for them to learn how to interact with other dogs and people. Start when your Border Collie is a puppy, ideally around 8 to 12 weeks old.

Choose controlled environments: Socialization should take place in a controlled environment, such as a dog park, a training class, or in your own backyard. This will allow you to manage the interaction and ensure that your Border Collie is safe.

Introduce your Border Collie slowly: When introducing your Border Collie to other dogs or people, do so slowly and gradually. Start with short interactions, and gradually increase the duration as your Border Collie becomes more comfortable.

Use positive reinforcement: Reward your Border Collie with treats or praise when they interact well with other dogs or people. This will help reinforce positive behavior and encourage them to repeat it.

Monitor your Border Collie: Keep an eye on your Border Collie’s body language during socialization. If they become anxious or overwhelmed, remove them from the situation and try again at a later time.

Remember, socialization is an ongoing process, and it’s important to continue exposing your Border Collie to new dogs and people throughout their life. By socializing your Border Collie in a controlled environment and using positive reinforcement, you can help them become a well-adjusted and confident companion.

Border Collies are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that require proper training and socialization to become well-behaved and happy companions. Positive reinforcement is an effective training method for Border Collies, and can help encourage good behavior and discourage bad behavior. It’s also important to socialize your Border Collie in a controlled environment with other dogs and people to help them become comfortable and confident. Keeping a leash on your dog when guests are over can also provide more control over their movements and behavior. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your Border Collie become a wonderful and well-behaved companion.