Who is this trick for?

The targeted act of jumping on the back is more suitable for smaller dogs. However, medium-sized dogs can also participate depending on their body control and the stability of their handler. Since the dog must jump with great force and may land on the ground instead of the back during practice, this trick should only be attempted with dogs that are overall healthy. Additionally, the dog should not only be healthy but also fully grown, as repeated jumping can be particularly harmful to young dogs whose bone growth plates have not yet closed.

If your dog is fit, healthy, and an adult, you can get started right away! A warm-up beforehand wouldn’t hurt.

How do I teach my dog to jump on the back?

Before you start, you’ll need either soft, easily chewable treats or your dog’s favorite toy to motivate him and make the training playful.
Ideally, you have already done some “tricking” with your dog, such as jumping on a signal onto a pedestal, tree stump, or something similar, or even into your arms. If not, you should build the trick step by step.

Step 1

At the beginning, your dog should understand that he should jump on a signal. Choose a tree stump, bench, or a securely standing chair. Now lure him onto it with treats, reward him at the top, and let him come down in a controlled manner, followed by praise. Repeat this many times until you incorporate a verbal signal before the action trigger, such as “Up” or “Hop.”

Step 2

Once your dog can safely jump onto an object, it’s time for the more challenging part. Your dog probably isn’t allowed to jump on you normally, so encouraging him to do so could be a hurdle.

One way to convey that your dog should jump on your back is to let him initially jump on a chair and then lure him onto your back. To do this, get on all fours next to the chair and lure him from the chair onto your back with treats. Having a second person can be helpful. They can better guide your dog and possibly support him so that he feels more secure on the shaky surface in the beginning.

If your dog eventually gets better at going from the chair to your back on his own, introduce a verbal signal, such as “Back.” It’s also useful to establish a visual cue, as dogs can often associate visual cues more easily than auditory ones. For example, tap your shoulder with one hand.

Step 3

Your dog can now jump onto objects on your signal and climb onto your back from a chair or elevation. Now it’s time to combine both actions. Your dog’s hesitation will likely be less if you “work your way up” and initially kneel down. If that works, gradually squat and stand up slowly. Praise your dog every time he dares to try, and help him maintain balance by supporting him. This instills a sense of security and trust in him – he knows he won’t fall.

However, if he happens to fall awkwardly, the experience may be negatively associated, and he may become reluctant to jump. Depending on your dog’s sensitivity, try to calmly start from scratch in such cases and avoid pressuring him.