Teaching your dog to jump rope is a lot of fun for the dog and it’s got several benefits for you too.
Learn patience, patience, patience.
The dog lesson.
Jumping is a normal part of a life for many dogs. Dogs jump in play and sometimes on people and furniture too. Even if your dog is athletic, it will likely take some time, patience and many treats to teach a dog to jump rope. At first, you might think that jumping rope is beyond your dog’s ability. Jumping rope isn’t a very easy dog trick, but it’s not too hard for most dogs to learn. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that jumping rope is a moderate level dog trick that you can adapt to your mutual athletic levels – your level and your dog’s jump rope level.
The people lesson.
Jumping is a normal part of life for people. As little children, we learn to jump into our parent’s arms almost as early as we take our first steps. Many childhood games and sports involve jumping – hopscotch, basketball, volleyball and more. But even if you’re athletic, it will likely take some time and patience for you to develop jump rope proficiency. At first, you might think that jumping rope is beyond your ability. It isn’t very easy to jump rope for the first time, or to re-learn jump rope after many years away from the playground, but it’s not too difficult for most people. You’ll be pleasantly surprised as you master some basic jump rope skills and tricks. It’s easy to adapt your jump rope routine to your personal athletic level and goals.
Feel good – rewards.
The dog lesson.
Your dog needs praise and affection from you. Your dog didn’t wake up this morning with any need to jump rope. Be sure to reward your dog with treats and affection. In time, your dog will be having too much fun jumping rope with you to stop for treats.
The people lesson.
You need to feel good about yourself. Few people wake up in the morning and feel an urgent need to start a jump rope workout. The jump rope will give you plenty of opportunities to mess up as you trip on the rope, whack yourself on the leg, or can’t quite learn a new rope trick that looks so easy and simple on the video. Be sure to keep a positive attitude and feel good about your yourself for simply trying and for every little success. In time, you’ll be having so much fun jumping rope that you’ll want to keep your rope with your everywhere you go.
Start small and progress step by step to jumping and more jumping.
The dog lesson.
Start by teaching your dog to jump over a rope that doesn’t move. You can tie one end of the rope to a door and hold the other end in one hand. Hold a treat on the other side of the rope and give your dog the “jump” command. Your dog will step over the rope to get his treat. Gradually increase the height of the rope and gently swing the rope as your dog progresses.
The people lesson.
Start by learning to twirl your rope, with both handles in one hand and with your two feet firmly planted on the ground. We call this Jump Rope Without Jumping Rope. As you twirl and step-through the rope, you’ll learn five important jump rope skills – twirling, balance, flexibility, manipulation and coordination – and perform some very impressive maneuvers. When you’re comfortable with your rope, then it’s time to move on to Basic Jump Rope Skills and more advanced jump rope tricks. Don’t be in a rush to jump fast, or jump high, or jump for a long time. You can get a great jump rope workout without ever lifting your two feet off the ground at the same time.
Make friends with people too!
The dog lesson.
Jumping rope will bring you and your dog closer together as you both enjoy a beautiful shared experience. You can jump rope with your dog at home or in public places like parks and playgrounds. Many people haven’t seen people jumping rope with a dog in real life and they’ll naturally pause to look at you. Don’t be shy to engage selected people in casual conversation as you and your dog complete a round of jumping. Jumping rope with your dog in public is a great way to meet new people and make friends too.
The people lesson.
Just like your smartphone, your jump rope could become your constant companion, at work, school, in the gym or at a park. Most people haven’t seen anyone do the twirl and jump rope tricks that you’ll learn here and they’ll naturally pause to look at you. Don’t be shy to engage selected people in casual conversation as you complete a round of jumping. Jumping or simply twirling you rope in a park, at the gym, or while waiting for a bus is a great way to stay active, meet new people and make friends too.