Training Jumpy/Mouthy Foster Dogs

Jumpy/Mouthy

Foster Dogs

behavior modification plans

TRAINING JUMPY/MOUTHY DOGS

TRAINING FOR JUMPY/MOUTHY DOGS IN FOSTER

In many cases, jumpy/mouthy behavior exhibited in a shelter will not be present once the dog is moved to a foster home, due to the reduced environmental stress and increased attention and enrichment..

If jumpy/mouthy behavior is present in a foster home, start with management. Management alone may be sufficient.

If management isn’t enough, you will need to train alternative behaviors to take the place of jumpy mouthy behavior. Training decreases the need for constant management & can make the dog more attractive to adopters.

Behavior modification plans for jumpy/mouthy dogs involve:

Training the dog to do something you like better;

Making sure jumping and/or mouthing don’t pay off (see Timeouts and Jumpy/Mouthy Foster Management).

Always follow a written training plan. The plan should have consistent rules for determining when to move ahead and when to make it easier for the dog.

LEASH WALKING

For dogs who jump up, mouth, or grab the leash on walks, teach them Loose-Leash Walking instead.

Teach the dog to walk nicely alongside the handler instead of jumping up, mouthing, or grabbing the leash.

TROUBLESHOOTING

What if the dog won’t pay attention to me during training? See Troubleshooting Motivation
What should I do if the dog jumps up or mouths during training? See Managing Jumpy/Mouthy Behavior