Puppy Training: The "Off" Command

The "off" command

As your puppy grows, jumping becomes a bigger and bigger problem. What may have been charming in your 9 week-old pup may now be a real challenge with your older puppy. Luckily, jumping behavior is a fairly easy problem to control if you know how to approach it.

First, the command word to use is "off" as in "get off of me, please". Don't use "down" as in "lie down". Using the same command word for two different behaviors is confusing to your puppy.

The "off" command instructs your pup to put his four feet on the floor. Your job is to make sure you don't encourage jumping some of the time then get frustrated by it later. The key, as in most training, is consistency. You also need to stay calm and remember that your pup means no harm, he just needs direction from you. Teaching your puppy the "off" command should involve two basic things: practice and reward.

Practice
How often should you practice the "off" command? If your puppy jumps up on you every time you walk through the door there is no reason you shouldn't be just as consistent in your training.

Reward
What is it that you want your pup to do? In this case it is to sit instead of jump. Do you tell him that? Do you reward him for that? It helps if you do. Developing the desired behavior is much quicker and more fun than trying to eliminate the unwanted behavior. If your pup sits when you come home, then the jumping problem is solved. Best of all your pup will get what he wants – your attention.

How to teach the "off" command
Guide your puppy into the correct behavior: If your pup is a food hound or toy lover, use that to your advantage. Keep a favorite toy or treat outside the door. When you enter and your pup jumps tell him "off" and then "sit" and guide your puppy into the sit position by slowly raising the treat or toy back and just above his head. When he sits, give him the treat or toss the toy a short distance. Since a pup has to "off" in order to "sit", he will be learning both at the same time.

Ignore your pup: In some cases, simply crossing your arms and looking at the ceiling will cause the pup to stop jumping. He is trying to get your attention; if he isn't getting it, he may well stand and stare at you in puzzlement. The moment he stops, tell him "off" then praise him calmly. If he jumps, ignore him again. This may take a few minutes at first, but he'll get the idea quickly.

Clearly, this is not the technique to use with a large, powerful pup. Your pup is ready, willing and able to please you, he just needs you to show him how. Taking the time to practice, rewarding the behavior you want and using techniques that allow him to learn without becoming frightened or confused makes training a breeze for both of you.

(http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/images/full/Golden-Retriever-Puppy-7.jpg, content courtesy of pedigree.com)