Chesapeake Bay retrievers are very energetic dogs that require constant exercise. Their active nature makes them very hyper at times.
It is very common for Chessies to run around and swim whenever they can. This breed likes jumping and leaping, but we wouldn’t say they do it excessively in comparison to any other dog breed.
Chesapeake Bay retriever puppies, however, are very jumpy. Training your dog as early as possible is the key to stopping your dog from constantly jumping.
This article will show you how to prevent Chesapeake Bay retrievers from jumping.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever Body Structure
Chesapeake Bay retrievers were bred as hunting dogs that could withstand harsh winters. It is no surprise that they like to exercise constantly.
These dogs have a lean but strong body structure, making them fast swimmers and great at jumping. They are also considerably fast yet stealthy, making them apex hunters.
They have well-built hind limbs lined with muscles, enabling them to jump pretty high. Chesapeake Bay retriever puppies are especially energetic, and training them is integral to how they learn to utilize their build.
How To Train The Chesapeake Bay Retriever Breed
Regardless of the reason for your Chesapeake Bay retriever’s jumping, training them is quite easy. This depends on your dog’s age and where you got it from. It is much easier to break habits in puppies than in adult dogs.
How To Reduce Jumpiness In Puppies
To prevent your Chesapeake Bay retriever puppy from jumping on people, you want to reinforce and reward them for their positive behaviors.
With young Chesapeake Bay retrievers, one way to prevent them from getting excited every time they see you is by toning down your own reactions.
Have a neutral expression and don’t pet or pick up your dog. If your dog tries to jump on you, turn your back and wait for them to settle down.
Once they have it under control, pet them or give them a treat for staying put. This will reinforce in them that staying still is rewardable.
How To Train Adult Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
If your dog is behaving aggressively and bouncy as a result of a lack of exercise, make it a habit to take them on walks regularly. It might take them some time to settle down and for the jumpiness to go away.
You will need to stay consistent with taking them out and letting them be in their natural element. Exercise will keep them healthy as well as tire them out.
If you’re unable to persistently take your dogs out for walks, an alternative would be to let them get lost in your backyard. Let them run around, mingle with neighborhood dogs, and swim in an inflatable pool if you have one.
If you’re having a hard time training your Chesapeake Bay Retriever, you can consult a professional who specializes in obedience training, and they will better provide you with the best training method.
Why Do They Jump?
There are many reasons why most Chesapeake Bay retrievers are jumpy. While we’ve already established that this breed is not jumpier than other dogs, they can be particularly rambunctious at times, and this includes jumping along with excessive barking.
Overexcitement, lack of exercise or training, territorial aggression, etc., might be some of the explanations for your pooch’s jumpiness. Below we have outlined a few reasons why your Chessie jumps a lot.
- Puppies Are Highly Energetic
Chesapeake Bay retrievers exude a lot of energy and curiosity. To them, meeting new people and visiting new places is very exciting.
This excitement comes out in the form of exuberant jumping and running around. In general, they express their emotions and energy by being physically active.
Sometimes this may be quite aggressive. With the right training, you will notice your Chesapeake Bay retriever become more well-behaved and stable-tempered.
- Excitement
Adult Chesapeake Bay retrievers are not as jumpy as puppies are. A major reason for your adult dog jumping a lot would be excitement.
Just like how puppies get excited over the littlest things, adult Chesapeake Bay retrievers do too. If your dog is meeting you after a long time or is getting to swim or do some other physical activity, excitement is to be expected.
Generally speaking, Chessies don’t get overly excited regularly. Hence, their jumpiness can be attributed to other factors.
Jumpiness can sometimes scale into bouncing with extreme vigor, so much so that your puppy goes flying off. The key to preventing your dog from being excessively jumpy upon seeing you is training them right from when they are puppies.
- Lack Of Training
Speaking of training, untrained Chesapeake Bay retrievers tend to be more aggressive and active than trained ones. These dogs have the instincts of a hunter, so it should be no surprise that they prefer to be on their legs all the time.
If you find your Chessie to be confined to one space, they are likely not feeling well. Chesapeake Bay retrievers aren’t very hard to train, so the jumpiness can be reduced relatively fast.
Unlike golden retrievers that jump on every other person they see, Chessies (specifically adults, not puppies) are more hostile to meeting new people. The only time they jump around is when they see their owner.
Through a system of controlling your excitement around them and rewarding them for not jumping, you can easily regulate their mannerisms.
- Little To No Exercise
Exercise is highly important for Chesapeake Bay retrievers, both for their physique and keeping them happy. A lack of exercise can lead to health and temperament issues.
Prolonged periods without exercise can make your dog extra aggressive and jumpy. Since Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are working dogs, they need constant activity.
Any compromises there can result in anxious behavior from your dog, and jumpiness is a common symptom of that. Jumpiness accompanied by destructive chewing and mewling can also be a result of boredom.
- Territorial Aggression
Most dog breeds show some form or level of territorial aggression, and Chesapeake Bay retrievers are no exception. Lack of proper socialization with other humans and animals can lead to the expression of territorial aggression once your puppy grows up.
Aggression in the form of leaping and jumping can just be your dog trying to establish its territory. This can again be prevented by proper training during their puppyhood.
- Anxiousness
Just like humans, dogs also express their anxiousness through different body movements. Jumpiness that isn’t aggressive, but constant jumping may be a sign of anxiousness in your dog.
The right course of action would be to take your pet to a vet to get a formal diagnosis, see whether the jumpiness is an actual symptom, and plan appropriate treatment accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Chesapeake Bay retrievers are lovely dogs that make great pets and companions. They are energetic and lively, and being around them will lift your spirits.
Chesapeake Bay retrievers don’t usually have temperament issues, and apart from being very energetic are quite tame.
If you find your furry playmate to be overly jumpy, then figure out what the underlying issue is.
While Chesapeake Bay retrievers are active dogs, they aren’t bouncy, so excessive jumping is caused by a specific reason. Even without knowing the exact reason, you can easily train or retrain your Chesapeake Bay retriever to not jump too much.
Chesapeake Bay retrievers are obedient and pick up on behaviors quickly, so training should be a breeze. But keep in mind that it is normal for your dog to get excited every now and then, which warrants a natural jumpy reaction.
