Who is this trick for?

This trick is an excellent exercise to strengthen the bond between a dog and its owner, particularly suitable for dogs with a good amount of trust and courage. Additionally, jumping into arms looks impressive and is a lot of fun.

Due to the jumping involved, you should only attempt this trick with your dog once it is fully grown (around 1.5 years, depending on size and breed) and has no physical complaints or pre-existing conditions. Moreover, you should practice this trick in moderation and only with your healthy four-legged friend.

Don’t forget the size and weight of your dog. Are you confident that you can reliably catch your dog mid-air? If so, there’s nothing stopping you from learning this new trick. Let’s get started!

How do I teach my dog to jump into arms?

For this trick, you may not necessarily need a clicker, as rewarding at the right moment can be done wonderfully without one—unlike a trick that involves a specific movement that needs precise confirmation and might only be shown for a fraction of a second. However, what is essential is excellent rewards such as treats or a favorite toy. Choose the reward that holds greater significance for your dog and motivates it to participate enthusiastically.

Step 1

In the first step, sit in a quiet room on a chair with treats or a favorite toy placed on a table next to you. Position your legs side by side and lure your dog onto your lap.

Not every dog jumps onto the lap spontaneously. For some, it might take a lot of courage, making this part likely the most challenging for these dogs. If your dog is among those, lure it with a treat and pat your lap. To warm up, you can also throw the toy a few times or perform a few previously practiced tricks with your dog before allowing it to jump onto your lap.

Once your furry friend has mustered the courage and lands on your lap, secure it and express your joy. Give it lots of praise and immediately a couple of treats.

Step 2

The second step is primarily about reinforcing the first one. Your dog should learn to jump into your arms upon a signal, whether you are sitting or standing. Initially, practice this while sitting and lure your dog onto your lap. Follow this with immediate praise and treats.

If this works without any issues, gradually rise until you are standing. This can work well with cushions. Sit on an additional cushion each time, repeating the process in the corresponding “half-sitting/half-standing position.”

Step 3

With each repetition, your dog learns that it will be safely caught by you and loses inhibitions about the jump. This trick, therefore, inadvertently contributes to building trust, as spending active time together is generally excellent for bonding.

Eventually, your dog will confidently jump into your arms even when you are standing. Fantastic, your dog has successfully performed the trick! Now, all that’s left are a verbal signal and a gesture. Tapping your thighs or clapping your hands could serve as a suitable gesture. You might introduce a verbal signal like “Hop” or “Jump.” Observe which gesture prompts your dog to jump into your arms—whether it responds to a pat or starts off when you look at it expectantly. Then, place your new verbal signal just before your gesture. This way, your dog will quickly associate the verbal signal with the new trick.