Help needed with teaching dog to jump up onto things
- Thread starter Jaynie
- Start date
dawns2shelties
Forums Sage
If she doesn't learn to jump what about setting up a ramp to the couch or bed so you don't injure yourself. I know about back injuries and issues. I had a tough time carrying Chandler through his issues he was 19-20" Sheltie. I have said I will make sure my next is on the small side just to be sure I am able to carry if any issues arise.
Calliesmom
Moderator
Jumping- Callie hasn't jumped up on the couch in months but she is rolling over on the floor now- didn't do that for the first 4 years that I had her.
so not jumping recently- maybe it's her sight- I'll have to ask the vet about that.
size is one reason I went with shelties- my basset mix was 50+ lbs. it was hard when he was sick to get him into the car. so 30 lb sheltie is max size and while Cran is capable of jumping in the car, he doesn't always
I've finally gotten Bela to jump into/out of the back seat of my car (4 door) but she won't even approach my husband's (2 door convertible). It's like she's confused by the different configuration of the cars. But she does love to ride now, even just up the street and back, so I've been giving her a ride every few days. She LOVES to look out the window - just like a "real" dog (as hubby says).
I didn't use treats for the jumping into/out of the car, because she was at first so stressed she'd ignore them. I just used praise and a tiny wee bit of pressure on her leash for encouragement. Only had to do that twice. It's not my preferred method of training (the leash thing), but may be something I have to try on the bed. She loves being up there with me so much that I'd hate her to think she has to stay on the floor. (Always cues great big, sad puppydog eyes.)
I didn't use treats for the jumping into/out of the car, because she was at first so stressed she'd ignore them. I just used praise and a tiny wee bit of pressure on her leash for encouragement. Only had to do that twice. It's not my preferred method of training (the leash thing), but may be something I have to try on the bed. She loves being up there with me so much that I'd hate her to think she has to stay on the floor. (Always cues great big, sad puppydog eyes.)
Well here is what happened at my house....Tucker the puppy I bred so i've had him since day 1, does NOT jump on anything! And here is why, when he was around 8 weeks old he made it onto the couch and than fell off..of course it was at the time full blown sheltie dramatics
...He didnt injure anything just scared the living daylights out of him. I tried for months and months with high value treats and even the other dogs hopping up on the couch and playing..nope nada nothing worked...finally after 8 months of looking at this pathetic squeaking sheltie who wanted nothing more than to hop up I broke down and brought him a set of steps. Now he flies up on to everything that has the steps(either the couch or bed)..however it is funny when I take his stairs away he will run the full length of the couch barking but he wont jump down either...
...He didnt injure anything just scared the living daylights out of him. I tried for months and months with high value treats and even the other dogs hopping up on the couch and playing..nope nada nothing worked...finally after 8 months of looking at this pathetic squeaking sheltie who wanted nothing more than to hop up I broke down and brought him a set of steps. Now he flies up on to everything that has the steps(either the couch or bed)..however it is funny when I take his stairs away he will run the full length of the couch barking but he wont jump down either...
Chris
Premium Member
Beckon will not jump onto the bed, the couch or into the car. But when you pick him up, he's gives a great "helper leap." It's like having helium dog! 
SheepOfBlue
Premium Member
With Sca I put up baricades so I don't think that will work for you 
k9kreationz
Forums Celebrity
I know you said she wasn't sure of the regular stairs at first, but does them now. It seems like steps would be the best for her, if she won't jump. But it seems like she's scared of everything "new".
IMHO, if the leash works, where you gently pull, but not drag or by any means yank, I would use that with tons of praise and treats.
Like, put the stairs/steps/stool next to the bed. Have a leash on her, you sit on the bed. Gently tug her towards the steps, and offer her praise and food. If one foot goes on the step, jackpot her. maybe that's it for one day. It might be a lot for her. NExt time, wait for 2 stairs, etc. Maybe she just needs that tug and reassurance on lead.
Give it time for her rear-end muscles to understand what they're doing also. If you have a low platform somewhere, something high enough she has to jump, but low enough so she doesn't have to put a ton of effort into it, that'd be perfect for teaching.
Although Koji did agility, he wasn't jumping well. Once we taught him to jump up on the bed and things, he was jumping (in agility) soooo much better. It's like NOW his hind legs know what to do. lol.
Good luck.