To begin teaching a jump, you will want to make sure to use equipment that is adjustable so that you can start low and go slow. In this video, KPA CTP Camilla Chu is using an adjustable jump bar to teach her pups to jump. For small dogs like Camilla’s, you’ll want to start with the bar on the ground. For larger dogs, the bar can be raised just a few inches above the ground. Once your equipment is set up, hold your dog’s leash and simply walk the dog over the jump. When your dog reaches the other side, click and reward generously. As your dog gains confidence, slowly raise the bar over time. It’s important that you do not increase the height until you are sure that your dog is comfortable.

As you will see in the video, Camilla is teaching her dogs to hop over the jump in both directions. This sets the dogs up again between reps as well as helps them to generalize the jump skill. Once your dog is jumping over the obstacle reliably, you can add the cue “jump.” 

Interested in more ideas for training critical sport skills? Check out Karen Pryor Academy’s Dog Sports Essentials course!

Happy Spring Training!