Is your puppy bursting with excitement, causing them to jump on you—or, even worse, onto guests? While jumping may seem cute at first, it’s a behavior that can quickly become an issue, especially as your puppy grows. Whether you're training a young pup or breaking the habit in an older dog, this behavior can be redirected into calm greetings with the right approach.
Dogs often jump to greet or get attention, but this habit can be dangerous for small children, cause injuries, or simply become annoying. The good news is that, with consistency and patience, you can teach your puppy (or adult dog) to stop jumping on people, making their greetings more enjoyable for everyone. Here are five simple steps to help you get started:
1. Understand Why Puppies (and Dogs) Jump
Puppies often jump to greet people and get closer to faces for affection. It’s their way of saying “hello” and seeking attention. While it's an instinctive behavior, you can teach them more appropriate ways to interact. Understanding that your puppy jumps to get attention is the first step in helping them learn how to greet you—and others—calmly.
2. Stop Reinforcing the Behavior
Puppies jump because it works: they get your attention. Even if you push them down or say “No,” that’s still attention. The key is to remove any attention when your puppy jumps. Immediately turn your back, cross your arms, and avoid eye contact. When ALL FOUR PAWS are on the floor, give them calm praise and attention. It’s crucial to remain consistent—no exceptions!
3. Teach an Alternative Behavior
Instead of jumping, teach your puppy to sit when they greet you. This gives them an action to focus on that’s incompatible with jumping. Whenever your puppy approaches, ask them to sit, and only offer attention or treats (these are my favorite treats to use because they re healthy nd the dogs love them) when they remain sitting. Start this training as early as possible, but remember, older dogs can learn too! The more consistent you are with asking for “sit,” the quicker they will understand that sitting brings rewards, not jumping.
4. Use Rewards and Praise
Positive reinforcement is key to teaching your puppy. As soon as they stay calm or sit when greeting you, reward them immediately with praise, a treat, or affection. Gradually phase out treats as your puppy becomes more consistent, but keep using verbal praise like “Good puppy!” to reinforce the behavior.
5. Practice With Guests
It’s one thing to stop your puppy from jumping on you, but you’ll need to train them not to jump on others as well. When guests arrive, inform them about the training. You could even have a jar of treats outside your door for the guests to have in hand when they enter. Ask them to ignore your puppy if they jump and only offer attention when the puppy is sitting or calm. You can also use a leash to maintain control during greetings, especially with young puppies. Ask your puppy to sit while you greet the guests, then reward them for staying calm.
To make this process even easier and to make greetings easy for everyone, I create this free PUP IN TRAINING sign.
By displaying this sign at your front door, you’ll give visitors clear instructions on how to interact with your puppy—making training smoother and more consistent.
Here’s what the sign includes:
- A gentle reminder for visitors to ask for a sit before giving treats.
- Instructions to turn away if your puppy jumps.
- A space to write your puppy’s name for a personal touch.
Simply print, hang it up, and let your guests be part of your puppy’s success!
Grab it HERE
Breaking the habit of jumping is easier when your puppy is young, but it’s never too late to train an adult dog! With consistent training, positive reinforcement, and involving everyone in your household, your dog will learn to greet people with all four paws on the ground.
Consistency is key—soon, jumping will be a thing of the past, and your dog will greet both you and guests with calm, friendly energy.
Desire to responsibly raise a happy, healthy, and well-behaved pup that effortlessly blend into your family, becoming more than JUST a pet -even if you lead a busy life?
Then I invite you to join my free group...
Have you ever heard of a solar eclipse? It's a super cool event where the moon moves in front of the sun and makes it look like night time in the middle of the day! While you might be excited to see this rare event, you might also wonder how it affects your furever friend, your dog. 🐶
Don’t Worry About Doggie Sunglasses!
First off, you don't need to rush to the store for special doggie sunglasses. Dogs are smart and don't usually look directly at the sun, which is good because looking at the sun can hurt our eyes. Experts say that dogs naturally know not to stare at bright lights in the sky, so their eyes should be safe during the eclipse. (But if you want fun photos try these glasses)
What About Doggy Stress?
You might also be wondering if your dog will get stressed or scared when it suddenly gets dark. Well, while some animals might find it strange, most dogs will be just fine. They're more likely to react to how you're feeling, so if you're calm and having fun, your dog will likely feel the same way.
But, if your dog does seem a little worried, here are some easy tips to help them out:
- Stay Calm: Your dog can tell how you’re feeling. If you’re excited or anxious about the eclipse, your dog might feel the same way. Try to stay calm and relaxed, so your dog does too.
- Keep Them Inside: If there’s a lot of noise or too many people outside, it might be a good idea to keep your dog inside where it’s quiet and safe.
- Comfort Them: If your dog does seem nervous, you can try playing some gentle music or giving them their favorite toy or treat to make them feel better.
- Try a Doggy Anxiety Vest: If your dog gets really anxious, something like a this, which is a special vest that helps dogs feel secure, could be a big help.
Fun Fact!
Did you know that during a solar eclipse, some animals act a little funny? Chickens might go to bed thinking it's nighttime, and bees might rush back to their hive. But your dog? They'll probably just be curious about why you're acting so excited!
Remember!
Solar eclipses are super rare and special, and with a little preparation, you and your dog can enjoy the day without any worries. So, grab your eclipse glasses (for you, not your dog!), make a fun day of it, and remember to give your dog lots of love and maybe an extra treat or two for being such a good eclipse buddy.
And there you have it! A simple guide to enjoying a solar eclipse with your dog. Keep these tips in mind, and both you and your furever friend will have a great time. 🌒🐕
Desire to responsibly raise happy, healthy, and well-behaved pups that effortlessly blend into your family, becoming more than JUST a pet -even if you lead a busy life?
Then I invite you to join my free group...
Training your puppy is one of the best ways to help them grow into a happy, well-behaved dog. When your puppy knows the right commands, they can stay safe, listen better, and you will build a stronger bond with them. That's why I always say, a trained dog is a happy dog. Here are the 5 essential commands that every puppy should learn and why they are so important.
1. Sit
Teaching your puppy to sit is one of the first things you should do. This command helps them stay calm and focused. When your puppy is sitting, they aren’t jumping on people or running around. This makes it easier to handle them in different situations, like when guests come over or before feeding time. It’s also a great way to help them stay patient and well-behaved.
Why it matters: Teaching "sit" helps your puppy learn to listen and follow instructions. It’s the foundation for more advanced training and helps build trust between you and your puppy.
2. Stay
The “stay” command is super important for keeping your puppy safe. It teaches them to stay in one place even when they want to run or explore. This is especially helpful when you’re opening doors, crossing the street, or if there are other dogs around. "Stay" helps your puppy control their impulses and learn patience.
Why it matters: Keeping your puppy safe is the biggest reason to teach “stay.” It can prevent accidents, like running into traffic, and helps them be calm in busy situations.
3. Come
The “come” command is all about safety. When your puppy knows how to come when called, you can keep them from getting lost or running into danger. Whether they’re playing outside or off-leash at the park, “come” brings them back to you safely. This command also builds trust between you and your puppy because they learn that coming to you is a good thing.
Why it matters: “Come” keeps your puppy out of harm’s way and is one of the best ways to make sure they stay close when it matters most.
4. Down
The “down” command helps your puppy relax. Sometimes puppies get too excited, and "down" can calm them down. This command is great for when you’re out in public, like at the vet’s office, or when you have guests over. A puppy that knows how to lie down on command is easier to manage and less likely to cause trouble.
Why it matters: It helps your puppy learn self-control, which makes them easier to handle in different environments. This command is also a sign of respect from your puppy, showing they are willing to listen.
5. Leave It
“Leave it” is a life-saving command. It teaches your puppy to ignore things they shouldn’t touch, like dangerous objects, food, or even harmful substances. Puppies are curious, and this command helps keep them out of trouble by teaching them to focus on you instead of whatever is on the ground.
Why it matters: “Leave it” can stop your puppy from picking up something harmful, like chocolate or sharp objects. It’s a powerful way to keep your puppy safe and show them that listening to you is important.
Training your puppy with these 5 essential commands will keep them safe and help you build a strong, happy bond. A trained dog is a happy dog, and these commands are the key to making sure your puppy grows into a well-behaved, confident companion. Start training today and watch your puppy become the best friend you’ve always wanted!
To make training even easier, I’ve created a Puppy Training Cheat Sheets & Trackers Bundle! This bundle gives you step-by-step instructions for teaching each of these essential commands, plus trackers to help you monitor your puppy’s progress and keep the whole family on the same page.
These tools are designed to help you stay consistent and make training a fun experience for both you and your puppy!
If you desire to raise happy healthy dogs I invite you to join my free community where you will find my
FREE Preparing for a Puppy 5 Day Challenge!
Getting a new dog is so exciting! But one big question is: should you adopt a dog from a shelter, or buy one from a breeder?
Let’s look at both options.
When you adopt a dog, you are giving a dog a second chance. These dogs may come from shelters or rescue groups. Many of these dogs are looking for loving homes. By adopting, you are helping save a life! Plus, adoption is often cheaper than buying a dog from a breeder. Shelter dogs are usually already vaccinated and sometimes even trained, which can save you time and money. However, sometimes we don’t know much about the dog’s past. Some adopted dogs may have been mistreated before, so they might need extra care and time to feel safe and happy in their new home.
Buying from a breeder is a different experience. A breeder raises dogs from the time they are born. If you want a specific type of dog, like a Golden Retriever or a Poodle, a breeder can help. You can usually meet the puppy’s parents and learn more about its background and health. Breeder dogs are often well-cared for and may have had training since they were very young. But buying from a breeder costs more money, and sometimes breeders don’t take care of their dogs the right way. It’s important to find a responsible breeder who treats their dogs with love and care.
So, how do you decide? Think about your lifestyle, budget, and the type of dog that fits your family. Do you want a specific breed, or are you open to a mix? Do you have the time and patience to help an adopted dog adjust? Or are you looking for a puppy you can train from the start? Answering these questions can help you make the right choice for your family.
No matter what, both options can bring you a happy, furry friend who will love you forever!
If you desire to raise happy healthy dogs I invite you to join my free community where you will find my
FREE Preparing for a Puppy 5 Day Challenge!
Have you ever stood in the pet food aisle at the store, scratching your head, wondering which food is the best pick for your furry friend? You're not alone! With so many options, it's like trying to choose the best ice cream flavor. But worry not, because today we're diving into the world of dog food to discover the four main types that will make your pup's tail wag with joy.
1. Kibble Crunch
First up is the most common type you've probably seen everywhere - dry dog food, also known as kibble. Imagine having cereal for breakfast; that's what kibble is like for dogs. It's convenient, lasts a long time without spoiling, and comes in bags that are easy to store. Plus, munching on those crunchy bits is good for your dog's teeth. Just make sure you pick a kibble that's full of nutrients and not just filler stuff like corn or wheat. Reading a dog food label is more complex then a human food label for sure!
2. Wet Food Wonderland
Next, we splash into the world of wet dog food. This type comes in cans or pouches and has a lot of moisture, which is great for keeping your dog hydrated. Water is the most important nutrient in your dogs's bowl. (this was the first tidbit I learned in my studies to become a certified canine nutritionist) Imagine having a soup or stew; that's the vibe of wet food. It's especially yummy for picky eaters or older dogs who might have trouble chewing. The smell and taste can be a big hit, but remember, once opened, it needs to be eaten quickly or stored in the fridge.
3. Raw Food Rave
Have you ever seen a wolf chowing down on berries or grains in the wild? Nope! That's because they love their meals straight from nature. This is the idea behind raw dog food. It's made of raw meats, bones, fruits, and veggies. Some pet parents swear by it, saying it's super healthy and natural for dogs. However, many people are nervous or unsure about raw feeding because they are either grossed out or just don't know enough about it.
4. Homemade Happiness
Lastly, there's homemade dog food, which is like cooking a special dinner for your dog. You can use fresh meats, veggies, and grains to whip up something delicious and nutritious. It's a great way to know exactly what's going into your dog's belly. But remember, dogs need a balanced diet just like us, so you will want to make sure to use a balanced recipe or chat with a nutritionist to be sure your pup is getting everything it needs to be healthy.
Whether it's crunchy kibble, delicious wet food, natural raw meals, or lovingly homemade dishes, there's a perfect type of dog food for every furry friend out there. The best choice depends on your dog's age, health, preference, and of course your budget. I encourage every pup owner to focus on providing the best nutrition their budget allows. This can even include healthy treats to supplement their diet.
What questions do you have about feeding your dog a healthy diet?
This topic has become a passion of mine and the motivation behind my decision to go back to school to become a canine nutritionist!
Desire to responsibly raise happy, healthy, and well-behaved dogs that effortlessly blend into your family, becoming more than JUST pets -even if you lead a busy life?
Then I invite you to join my free group:
