Toilet Paper Jump: A “How High Can They Jump” Challenge

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Remember early on in the pandemic when it was hard to find toilet paper? Once it was available, many of us stocked up, so much so that we didn’t have anywhere to store all the extra rolls. Before I (Dominika) knew it, my children had started building with it in the hallways, eventually making a game of jumping over the various walls and structures. Enter: Toilet Paper Jump, a fun way for your dogs and kids to use extra toilet paper (or paper towel) rolls in a movement game that builds coordination and confidence.  

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WHAT YOU NEED

• Rolls of toilet paper or paper towel 
• Treats or your dog’s favorite toy
• Non-slip rug or mat (if your activity space has slippery flooring like hardwood, tile, or laminate)

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There are two approaches to teaching your dog this trick:

1. Teach Your Dog First: 

Start by teaching your dog to jump over the toilet paper wall before including your child. This allows your dog to become comfortable with the activity without distractions. Once your dog confidently jumps over, you can introduce your child to the activity.

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2. Include Your Child from the Beginning: 

If your child is eager to participate, include them from the very start. Have your child jump over first while you guide the dog through the process. 

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HOW TO PLAY

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Step 1: Set Up the Wall

Begin by placing a wall of toilet paper, only 1 roll high, across a door opening or hallway walkway. If your flooring is slippery/smooth, have a non-slip rug or mat on each side of the wall to give your dog and child some traction during take-off and landing. 

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Step 2: Lure and Reward

You or your child can toss a treat or throw a toy on the other side of the wall to encourage your dog to jump over. Once your dog walks over the wall repeatedly without hesitation and treats, you are ready to make it higher or add multiple walls.

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Step 3: How High Can It Go?

Stack up more rolls on top of the existing ones or build multiple walls. Repeat the lure and reward process a few times until your dog is confidently jumping over. Once they’ve mastered clearing 2 rolls high, add a third level, or even a fourth. 

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Insights from Dominika: You can play this game how you like. There are no set rules besides the safety rules of taking turns and keeping a safe distance. We always laughed a lot when we played it, and Lola was really into it. She didn’t care that she knocked over the rolls. We still praised and rewarded her each time. 

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Want more support?

Explore our Baby & Toddler Courses here.

And check out my first children’s book, Lola and the Bubble Mission.

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