How to Stop a Papillon Dog or Puppy Jumping

With its small body, elegant bearing and butterfly-like fringed ears, you will find that the Papillon is one of the cutest breeds in domestic dogs.  It is such a dainty toy breed in appearance that it is often hard to believe that Papillons are athletic, energetic and intelligent creatures.  In fact, many Papillon owners assert that their pets are big dogs in little dogs’ bodies because of such qualities.

It is also your Papillon’s athletic ability coupled with high energy that makes it jump up on high places like beds, sofas and low tables.  In the process, your pet is in danger of breaking its fragile pencil-thin bones when jumping down from their high perches.

Even children and adults are not spared such jumping activities. It is dangerous to humans, too, even with your pet’s small body especially when small kids and elderly individuals are involved.  You might just find yourself spending for medical expenses for both human and canine.

Fortunately, there are effective ways with which a Papillon can become well-behaved in the jumping department. You will find that these ways are also applied by dog trainers regardless of the dig breed so it makes sense that you can also apply a few of these techniques.

Provide for Appropriate Rewards

More often than not, your Papillon’s inappropriate jumping behavior was caused by your previous encouragements.  For example, you may have clapped your hands or provided treats for your pet whenever he jumped on the furniture or on people because you thought it was cute.

Well, it is time to reverse your behavior and, hence, change your pet’s behavior.  Whenever your Papillon jumps on anything or anyone in the house, you have to give the firm command “Off” while pointing your finger downward.  You may have to repeat the command several times before your pet gets the message but being intelligent creatures, it will likely stick.  Then, you can provide for the appropriate reward.  It need not be a toy or a treat since even a hug or a few words of praise will suffice.

Divert Attention

Your Papillon may also be jumping up on things and people because of excitement.  In this case, you should provide for distractions with the obvious goal of keeping your pet occupied with other activities.

For example, you can provide for a series of commands like sit and roll over until such time that the tendency to jump is significantly lessened.  Amongst dog trainers, this is called alternate behavior training.

There are cases when even your best intentions are insufficient to stop your Papillon from jumping up on people and things.  You have to consult an experienced dog trainer for more effective tips on the matter.

You will then learn from the expert that punishing your dog for misbehavior is bad in itself.  Your pet will behave more aggressively when punishment, be it in verbal or physical forms, is provided.  Instead, you have to praise your dog when it is behaving very well but ignore it when behaving badly.

Your Papillon’s inappropriate jumping behavior can be easily remedied.  Ask the experts for more tips and soon, your pet will be as well-behaved as you want it to be.