Key Factors in Choosing a Dog Bed

1. Size Matters

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and so should their beds! Start by measuring your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail to get an accurate bed length. When picking a size, make sure your dog can stand up, turn around, and lie flat comfortably. Observing how your dog likes to sleep can help too; some dogs stretch out with legs flung in every direction, while others curl up tightly. Matching the bed size to your dog’s sleeping style will ensure they’re able to relax fully.

If your dog uses a crate, it’s also important to select a bed that fits the crate’s dimensions, providing enough room for them to move comfortably without feeling cramped.

2. Age and Health Considerations

Older dogs and those with joint issues might benefit from orthopedic or memory foam beds that offer extra support. These beds can relieve pressure on their joints, helping with arthritis or hip dysplasia, making it easier for them to rest.

Puppies, on the other hand, often miss the warmth of their mom and littermates, so extra blankets or cozy materials can help them feel secure. Blankets are also easy to wash, which is convenient if any accidents happen. As your puppy matures and grows out of their “chew everything” phase, you can start looking into more durable bed options.

3. Climate and Temperature Needs

In colder areas, beds with built-in insulation or raised sides can provide warmth, especially for short-coated breeds that may feel the chill more acutely. Snuggle or ‘cave’ beds are perfect for dogs who love to burrow and feel safe in an enclosed space.

For dogs in warmer climates or those with thick coats, beds with breathable fabrics or cooling gel can help regulate their body temperature, especially during hot summer months. Elevated or mesh-style beds allow for airflow, which is particularly nice for outdoor lounging.

4. Puppies and the Teething Phase

For new puppy parents, it’s essential to remember that your puppy may not be ready for a full dog bed right away, especially during the teething phase. Puppies often have an instinct to chew as their new teeth come in, and they might see their bed as a fun chewing target. Investing in a bed too early could lead to a torn-up mess and, even more importantly, potential choking hazards if they chew and swallow parts of the bed.

In the early months, you might want to stick with thick, washable blankets or towels that can withstand a bit of chewing and can be easily replaced if they get too worn. As your puppy matures and leaves the teething phase behind, you can gradually introduce a more durable bed that’s suited to their size and sleeping style.

5. Durability and Easy Maintenance

While budget-friendly options can be tempting, durability is key for a lasting investment. High-quality materials often mean a more durable bed that can handle wear and tear over the years. Look for removable, machine-washable covers—they make cleaning a breeze, which is a huge help if you have a dog prone to shedding or muddy adventures.

If you have a puppy or a young dog who loves to chew, consider waiting before investing in top-tier beds. Many puppies and adolescents go through a “chew everything” phase, and it’s better to have an affordable, durable option that can withstand a little rough treatment until they’ve outgrown that stage.

6. Shape and Style for Maximum Comfort

Dog beds come in all shapes and styles, so finding the right one can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort level.

• Bolstered or Donut Beds: These provide a cozy, enclosed feel, which many dogs find comforting. They offer a sense of security, as well as support for the head and neck, making them great for dogs who love to curl up or snuggle.
• Rectangular Mats or Cushion Beds: For dogs who like to sprawl out, a simple, flat bed with more space can be perfect. Cushion-style beds or rectangular mats offer plenty of room for stretching out.
• Raised or Hammock Beds: Ideal for outdoor use, raised beds provide airflow around your dog’s body, keeping them cool and comfortable during warmer weather.

Personal Preference: The Cozy Factor

In my experience, most dogs love bolster beds. These cozy, U-shaped designs let them snuggle up, offering both security and comfort, whether they want to rest their head or burrow into a corner. I’ve tried many different types of beds over the years, from rectangular cushions to various fillings, and my dogs have consistently preferred the bolster style when they have the option.

Do Dogs Prefer Their Beds—or Yours?

If you’re like me, you might have beds scattered around the house, yet find your dog still gravitates to snuggle up right beside you when given the chance. While having their own beds is a fantastic way to promote independence and provide a consistent spot for rest, it’s also a nice reminder that some dogs love a good mix of personal space and together time with their favorite humans.

Ready to choose the perfect bed? Taking a little extra time to find the right fit for your dog’s unique needs will lead to a happier, well-rested pup. After all, a well-rested dog is a happier companion—one with plenty of energy to play, explore, and enjoy each day with you!

Let’s get you and your puppy started off on the right paw with your puppy raising journey. Click here to get started.

1. Comfort and Support

Just like humans, dogs seek comfort. The couch often provides more cushioning and support than the average dog bed. The soft, plush surface of a couch can be more appealing than a thinner dog bed. This is more comfortable if your dog enjoys stretching out or sinking into a cozy spot.

2. Temperature Regulation

The couch might offer better temperature regulation for your dog. Depending on the fabric and construction, couches can retain warmth in the winter and stay cooler in the summer. Dogs might seek out these spots to regulate their body temperature more effectively, something they might not be able to do with their dog bed.

3. Proximity to You

Dogs are social animals and they love being close to their humans. The couch is often in the living room or another central area where the family spends a lot of time. By sleeping on the couch, your dog can stay close to you, enjoying your company and feeling secure in your presence.

4. Elevated Viewpoint

Being on the couch gives your dog an elevated viewpoint, allowing them to see more of their surroundings. This elevated position can make them feel more secure and in control of their environment. It also lets them keep an eye on you and any potential activity.

5. Scent and Familiarity

Simply put, couches carry our scent, which can be very comforting to dogs. The familiar smell of their humans can make the couch a preferred sleeping spot over a dog bed that might not retain these comforting scents as well.

6. Habit and Routine

If your dog has been allowed on the couch since they were a puppy, it becomes a habit and part of their routine. Breaking this habit can be challenging because the couch becomes associated with rest and relaxation in their mind.

7. Exploring Different Textures

Dogs enjoy different textures, and the variety offered by a couch can be more appealing than the consistent texture of a dog bed. From the smooth feel of leather to the plushness of fabric, couches provide a sensory experience that dog beds may lack.

8. Attention and Reward

Sometimes, dogs learn that being on the couch gets them more attention from their owners. If they’re used to getting petted, praised, or even allowed to stay on the couch while you sit with them, it reinforces their preference for the couch over their bed. We bred our dogs to be social creatures and dogs are social sleepers, so wanting to sleep on the couch is pretty normal.

9. Sunny Spots

Dogs love basking in the sun, and a sunny spot on the couch can be irresistibly inviting. Many dogs are drawn like a tractor beam to bathe in the sun’s warmth. In our house, all of our dogs have always been drawn to a specific couch in the living room because the sun comes in through the big bow window. It’s a favorite spot for every dog we’ve had while living in this house. The combination of comfort and warmth makes the couch the perfect place for a sunny nap.

What Can You Do About It?

First, assess if it’s really a problem. Do you not want your dog on the couch because it poses a real problem or because it’s a belief that has been drilled into us? I always taught our dogs to sleep in their dog beds because I grew up with the thought “dogs shouldn’t be on the furniture.” Who made that rule anyway? So, I would lay on the floor in order to be near my dogs (and that’s not very comfy for a human especially the older you get, lol). Then, one day I let our dogs up on the couch with me.

My world didn’t shatter, and I love having the company of my dogs next to me. Once I started enjoying the company of our dogs on the furniture, I actually felt like I missed out for so many years.

If it’s not a real problem, don’t worry about it. Do you want to train your dog to sleep on a dog bed or would you rather use the time to teach your dog some fun tricks?

Having dogs on the furniture is a personal preference. There is no wrong answer. You get to decide if it’s right for you.

If you prefer your dog to use their dog bed instead of the couch, here are a few tips:

• Make the Dog Bed More Comfortable: Invest in a high-quality, supportive dog bed that rivals the comfort of your couch. Memory foam options can provide excellent support for your dog’s joints and muscles.

• Try Different Dog Beds: I’ve found that a lot of dogs prefer bolster dog beds to round or rectangular beds with no sides. If Kazoo lays in a dog bed, he snuggles up in the very corner of the big bed.

• Use Positive Reinforcement: Encourage your dog to use their bed by rewarding them with treats, praise, and attention when they do.

• Place the Bed Strategically: Put the dog bed in a location where your dog can still feel close to you and observe their surroundings.

• Use Scent to Your Advantage: Place a piece of your clothing on the dog bed to make it smell like you, providing additional comfort.

• Create a Cozy Environment: Add blankets and cushions to the dog bed to make it more inviting.

• Find a Sunny Spot: If your dog loves the sun, try placing their bed in a sunny spot in your home. This can help replicate the appeal of the sunny couch.

Understanding why your dog prefers the couch over their bed can help you make adjustments to ensure they feel comfortable and secure wherever they rest. There are so many reasons why dogs enjoy sleeping on the couch. If you’d rather they used their own doggy furniture, try making their dog bed more appealing.

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Grass: The Allure and the Mystery

Ever caught your puppy chomping down on some lawn greens and wondered, “Is this normal?” Well, you’re not alone. Many puppy parents wonder why their puppies are grazing on grass like miniature bovines. But why do they do it?

The Taste Test: Is Grass a Gourmet Treat?

We’ve all experienced it, our puppies have grass protruding from each side of their mouth, munching away like it’s the best meal in the world. The truth is, for some puppies, it might just be that! Puppies are diverse creatures with individual tastes, and some simply enjoy the texture and flavor of grass. It’s like their version of a culinary adventure.

Nature’s Broom: Fiber and Digestion

While some puppy’s might savor the flavor, others might have a more practical reason for their side salad of grassy cravings. Dogs, like us, need fiber in their diet to keep their digestive systems running smoothly. Grass can provide that much-needed roughage.

Grass: The at Home Doggy Doctor?

One of the age-old theories about grass-eating is that dogs turn to it when they’re feeling under the weather, using it as a natural remedy to induce vomiting and relieve discomfort. However, studies show that only a small percentage of grass-eating dogs actually vomit afterward, and even fewer show signs of illness beforehand. So, while it’s a popular theory, it’s likely not the reason why your puppy is eating grass.

Boredom Busters: Grass as Entertainment

We all know puppies left to their own devices will find their own activities to do. A puppy who decides to indulge in some grass munching might be because as simple as they’re just bored! Puppies, have natural dog needs. If they aren’t fulfilled then your puppy will find things to chew on, dig up… or even eat grass. If your puppy is treating the lawn like an all you can eat buffet, it might be time to up their chewing, scavenging, foraging, dissecting, and shredding needs.

Should I Stop My Puppy from Eating Grass?

While nibbling on grass isn’t a major cause for concern, it’s wise to keep an eye on your puppy’s grazing habits, especially if they’re frequent or accompanied by vomiting.

Be mindful of lawn treatments that could harm your puppy. This is where the real problem comes in. It’s not actually eating the grass, it’s if you use chemicals to treat your lawn. We don’t use any chemicals on our lawn so I know when my dogs are dining on the delicacy, they will be just fine.

Potential medical problems that are attributed to stomach discomfort and upset are pancreatitis, inflamed bowel disease, and gastric reflux. So, if you see other signs that your dog might not be feeling well, consult with your veterinarian and have a full workup done. It’s best to see if there are any  serious, underlying conditions. After all, when it comes to your puppy’s health and happiness, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The Verdict: To Munch or Not to Munch?

In the grand scheme of things, grass-eating is a common behavior among dogs, and for the majority of dogs, it’s harmless.

So, the next time you catch your puppy with a mouthful of grass, don’t fret. Instead, embrace their quirky behavior. After all, sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most enjoyable, even if they come with a side of grass stains!

Let’s get you and your puppy started off on the right paw with your puppy raising journey. Click here to get started.

For ages, tales were told of the story of us humans being the masterminds who tamed these loyal canines. But wait, hold your chew toys—scientists are flipping the script to reveal a wild, wolfy twist!

The Doggone Debate: Domestication Hypothesis Unleashed!

How Wolves Might’ve Pulled a Sneaky On

Forget stumbling upon abandoned wolf pups and domesticating them. Instead, picture this… savvy wolves eyeing human hangouts for food. Slowly but surely, they became bolder, less skittish, and, well, a little more human-savvy. Self-domestication at its finest!

Pawsitively Mind-Blowing Discoveries: Canine Brain Power Unleashed!

Unlocking the Mysteries of Doggie Intelligence

Let’s dive into the doggie brain! These furry companions are more than just cute, fluffy faces—they’re pros at reading our cues and forming emotional bonds. Dogs are brilliant at reading human body language. People are as good at reading dog body language.

From Dumpster Diving to Gourmet Feasts: A Canine Rags-to-Riches Tale

The Evolution of the Dog’s Place in Our Lives

Gone are the days of scavenging scraps; today’s dogs dine in style. They’ve snagged a place in our hearts, homes, and even our health care plans. Our dogs went from scavengers to connoisseurs, nabbing a spot in our homes, plush beds, and let’s not forget, they a share of our comfy couches. They wear snazzy collars and even coats when it’s cold and hand out with us at local breweries.

Unleashing Evolutionary Secrets: What Dogs Reveal About Us

How Dog Domestication Sheds Light on Human Origins

Beneath the surface of this captivating saga lies a deeper quest. Scientists are using the canine puzzle to unlock the secrets of our own evolution, discovering how we diverged from our hominid relatives.

In this narrative of friendship, it’s not just about who domesticated whom; it’s about the intertwined journey of species, woven through millennia of companionship and collaboration.

Is your dog a little too attached to you?

Are you finding your dog is suffering from separation anxiety when you leave them alone? Yes, I need help with my anxious dog.

Let’s fix this together!

The Power of Food as Motivators:

Food rewards are one of the most powerful and effective tools in dog training. Why? Putting it very simply… they work! Puppies and dogs are naturally drawn to food. It’s a primary reinforcer. Using food rewards as motivators can be the fastest way to teach your puppy the behaviors you want them to have.

The Convenience of Using Dog Training Treats:

While play can be another form of reinforcement when training our puppies, there are scenarios when adding play isn’t convenient or efficient. Carrying some training treats with you is much easier and allows for quick, precise rewards.

It can be hard to take your puppy’s favorite toy to the park or farmers market. There are times you want to reinforce the good behavior quickly and repeatedly. That’s hard to do if you are throwing a ball for your puppy to catch or fetch. We simply can’t get in enough reinforcement because we have to wait for the puppy to bring the toy back to us and release it so we can use it again.

Food rewards provide clear, immediate feedback to your puppy, reinforcing the “thing” you want your puppy to do.

Why You Shouldn’t Fade Out Training Treats

A common misconception is that you should phase out using treats in dog training and stop using them, completely. However, this isn’t entirely accurate.

When your puppy is reliable in the behavior you want them to learn, it is natural to use less training treats. However, we don’t want to completely abandon them. A lack of positive reinforcement from you means your puppy is open to receiving reinforcement from the environment, potentially causing the behavior you worked so hard to teach, to erode.

Example of how behavior can erode:

Your puppy walks nicely by you and checks in, but no longer gets reinforced for this awesome behavior. Your puppy gets excited by someone, pulls towards them, and gets a lot of attention in the form of affection, fun baby talk, and some play.

You and your puppy continue having walks together, but your puppy isn’t reinforced by you for the desired behavior, but continues to get reinforced by the people they pull towards.

Now, your puppy checks in with you less and looks for more people to rush towards.

They people have become more reinforcing than you. Now you’re left frustrated because all they time you took to teach polite leash walking is fading away.

I have more tips if you feel like your puppy is being disobedient or stubborn.

Understanding Using Training Treats When Training Your Puppy:

Reinforcement is essentially a paycheck for a job well done for your puppy. Would you continue going to work and continue a stellar work performance if you weren’t motivated or rewarded?

It’s important to understand that dog’s don’t do things just to please us. This is a myth. It’s a nice sentiment, but it is a myth. Dog’s do what works and what gets them they ‘good stuff’. Using training treats is your puppy’s paycheck- they motivate your puppy to perform the behaviors you want them to continue to be able to do.

But Aren’t Training Treats Just Bribing My Puppy?:

Rewarding your puppy is not the same as bribing them. Bribing implies showing your puppy the food rewards in order to get them to do they behaviors you want. Rewards, on the other hand, come AFTER your puppy has performed the desired behavior and are given as positive reinforcement for getting it right.

Maintaining Behaviors for Life:

Once your puppy is reliable in a behavior you want them to know, putting them on a random reinforcement schedule will create a stronger behavior. But how does this work? Think about a slot machine. People will sit in front of one and keep putting money in because they know at some point, they are going to get rewarded. They just don’t know when, but one of these times when they do the behavior (pull the arm) it will yield treats (money).

When your dog is randomly reinforced for behaviors you taught them, they are waiting for the slot machine (you) to pay out. The random, unpredictability, keeps them motivated.

A Final Word on Why You Shouldn’t Stop Using Training Treats:

In Conclusion, using training treats as rewards in your puppy training is not just a phase. It’s a lifelong strategy to maintain solid behaviors. Just as you expect a paycheck for the work you do, our dogs should be rewarded a job well done… and to maintain all the hard work you put in to teaching those behaviors. Don’t be afraid to pay (reinforce) your dog. It’s a win for both of you!

Need help with your puppy journey? Yes, help guide me to teach my puppy good manners.

What are Puppy Fear Periods?

Your puppy’s first fear period occurs around 8-11 weeks old. Depending on when you brought your puppy home, you may have missed this fear period all together. If you did have your puppy during this timeframe, your puppy might not have skipped a beat and continue through without anything phasing them. This fear period usually lasts about 2-3 weeks. It’s possible you noticed your puppy seemed “off” in certain situations, but if your puppy continued on and seem unaffected, you probably didn’t give this fear period much thought.

Your puppy will go through a second fear period during adolescence. The second fear period usually happens somewhere between 6-14 months. This is a large timeframe and because of this, it can seem like it sneaks up on you. This second fear period also lasts 2-3 weeks.

What Happens During Fear Periods?

When it happens, puppy parents can feel like a deer in headlights, wondering what happened to their once happy and confident puppy. So what exactly is going on?

During a fear period your puppy is more aware of the world around them, and are more sensitive to the things that are going on around them.

Examples of Puppy Behavior During Fear Periods

• Places your puppy previously enjoyed might be worrisome
• Your outgoing puppy might want to hang back
• Instead of greeting people happy and excited, your puppy might bark and want to keep distance
• Noises that never made your puppy flinch might now be bothersome
• Sudden environmental changes might startle your puppy (the flag on your neighbor’s property is now scary when it flaps in the breeze)

Your puppy now barks at new things

Why Does the Second Fear Period Occur?

While the exact reasons behind a puppy’s second fear period might not be entirely understood, some thought that are believed to cause this wariness or fear are:

Hormonal Influence: the up and down of hormones during adolescence can contribute to heightened sensitivity.

Brain Development: Your puppy’s brain is still developing and maturing and they are going through cognitive changes.

More on Understanding the Teenage Puppy Brain: What to Expect and How to Handle it

Navigating Your Puppy’s Fear Period

When your happy-go-lucky puppy suddenly exhibits fear towards something (or someone), it’s natural to want to help conquer their fear. However, making your puppy to face their fear means we might be pushing them into something they aren’t ready for. Pushing your puppy too hard or too fast can actually make the fear worse and have long lasting effects.

6 Steps to Helping Your Puppy Through Their Fear Period: A Step-by Step Guide

Step 1: Stay calm and patient- Your dog’s fear during this phase is not a sign of regression but a natural part of their development. Don’t make a big deal out of the situation.

Step 2: Get out of the driver’s seat- First and foremost, avoid coaxing them closer to the “scary thing”. Don’t force interactions. This is crucial.

Step 3: Give your puppy space- Allow your puppy to move away from whatever is triggering their fear response. This is essential.

Step 4: Let your puppy be in the driver’s seat- Allow your puppy to have agency and control how close they want to get to the “scary thing”. Let them retreat to a distance where they feel comfortable observing. If your puppy’s fear response is to another person, ask the person to stay back and not interact with your puppy. People want to help and will try to “make it better” by talking to your puppy in a fun voice or reaching forward so the puppy can sniff and “learn they are a friend”. The person should just stand quietly (having the “scary thing” talk to your puppy or move closer will make things worse) so your puppy can observe.

Step 5: Reward and praise- Give your puppy a high value reward if they look at the “scary thing” or make effort to move closer to investigate. Incorporate praise, using a happy tone.

Side note: praise alone is often not enough to create a positive association.

Step 6: Short and sweet- Keep the interaction with the “scary thing” short. Understand that you won’t “fix” this in a few minutes. Make note of what startled your puppy and develop a plan to incorporate it in controlled training opportunities.

More on The Long-Term Consequences of Making Your Puppy Confront Their Fears

Don’t Fret About Fear Periods

Fear periods can catch us off guard, but it’s crucial not to panic. Don’t wrap your adolescent puppy up in bubble wrap and keep them home. You should continue to take your puppy so they can experience the world and all the new things it has to offer- but do it at a safe distance. This will look different for each puppy. And remember, watching the world go by from a distance is all part of socialization and learning.

Keep a list of things that make your puppy nervous and incorporate these into future training sessions. You might find that what terrified them yesterday doesn’t bother them tomorrow. Remember that this is a natural part of their development, and there are no shortcuts through a fear period. Your puppy is learning about the world and relies on you for reassurance and guidance. Make these experiences safe, positive, and fun!

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey with your puppy? Yes, I’d like help teaching my adolescent puppy good manners and help them grow into a confident, adult dog.

The Perception of Tricks vs. Skills- a Puppy’s World View on Obedience Training:

Have you ever stopped to consider how your puppy perceives the training process? From their point of view, all the behaviors we teach them, whether it’s “sit,” “stay,” or “roll over,” are essentially just tricks. Puppies don’t come into the world knowing that coming when called could be a life-saving skill, while “play dead” is just for fun. Your puppy doesn’t realize that some “tricks” are more important to you than others. To them, every behavior is an opportunity to explore, engage, and earn rewards. Understanding this helps us view training as a chance to play, connect, and bond with our puppies.

Puppy Training: Playful Teaching for Positive Results:

Think about how you approach teaching a new trick versus an obedience skill. When teaching tricks, like “shake,” we often adopt a more relaxed and fun approach. We use cheerful tones, rewards, and laughter. Our whole demeaner and interaction with our puppy is completely different. We are loose and more fun.

On the other hand, when working on obedience skills, we might unintentionally adopt a serious tone, become more rigid, and feel the pressure to “get it right”. We can generally be less fun. Which scenario sounds like a better learning environment for you puppy? Embracing a playful attitude while teaching all behaviors can create a positive learning environment, making training enjoyable more enjoyable not only for your puppy, but more fun for you, too.

The Power of Play in Learning:

Puppies, just like human children, learn best through play. Playfulness engages their curiosity and taps into their natural instincts. By integrating training into playtime, you create an atmosphere where your puppy is eager to participate and explore new behaviors. Incorporating games into training sessions, such as incorporating “hide and seek” into recall practice or using toys during teaching, keeps the learning process exciting and interactive. Having fun and teaching “tricks” can boost your puppy’s confidence.

It’s All Trick Training- Changing Our Demeaner, Changing Their Experience:

When we reframe “obedience training skills” as tricks, our demeanor naturally shifts. We become more relaxed, patient, and less fixated on perfection. This change in our attitude has a significant impact on our puppies. They sense our emotions and can feel our tensions. If we’re stressed, they may become anxious or reluctant. Conversely, if we approach training with enthusiasm and a lighthearted attitude, our puppies are more likely to respond positively.

The Mindset Shift When Training Your Puppy- From Work to Play:

Our mindset plays a crucial role in how we approach training. When we view obedience skills as tedious tasks, it becomes work we have to complete, a task we must perfect or get right. On the other hand, when we treat all training as an opportunity to play, bond, and have fun, we create an environment where both guardian and puppy look forward to spending time together. This shift in perspective not only enhances the training experience but also strengthens the human-puppy relationship.

Final Words on Obedience Training Skills vs Trick Training:

In conclusion, redefining obedience skills (good manners training) as tricks has the potential to alter the interactions and the way we train our puppies. By recognizing that every behavior we teach is an opportunity for engagement and fun, we create a positive atmosphere for learning… after all, they are all just tricks to your dog. Embracing playfulness, maintaining a cheerful demeanor, and integrating training into games can lead to more successful training outcomes. So, let’s embrace the trickster within us and embark on a journey of joyful training with our puppies.

Ready to embark on a journey of joyful training with your puppy? Yes, I need to get my adolescent puppy back on track with training. Click here to get the help you need.

Why Does My Puppy Jump So Much?: A Natural Canine Instinct

First things first, jumping is a natural dog behavior. When dog’s greet each other, they will usually sniff each other’s face, mouth, and ears. We might not be dogs, but there is still so much information a puppy can gather from sniffing our face and breath. In addition, our faces are way up high so to get a better look (or sniff) they need to jump up. No wonder puppies jump like pogo sticks.

6 Reasons Why Puppies Jump

1. Curiosity
2. Excitement
3. Desire for affection
4. To initiate play
5. Explore
6. Because of stress, fear or anxiety*

At What Age Do Puppies Stop Jumping?

As you are already learning with your adolescent puppy, he won’t just stop jumping up all on his own.

Puppy Jumping: Accidental Reinforcement by Humans

Here’s where the puzzle starts to come together: when a puppy jumps up and gets any form of attention, they learn that jumping gets them what they want – attention from their human. This accidental reinforcement creates a loop where the puppy associates jumping with positive outcomes- even if it’s not what we intend.

And no, your puppy doesn’t care if you are saying “no”, “stop”, “off”, or “down”. Your puppy doesn’t know what those words mean. All they know is you are talking to them and providing attention. You could be saying “banana” or “goldfish”. These words hold as much value as shouting all the words you say in order to try to communicate what you would like your puppy to do.

2 Ways to Stop Puppy Jumping?

1. The Importance of Management Strategies

To help puppies greet people calmly, effective management strategies are key. Management involves setting up situations in which the undesired behavior is less likely to occur. For instance, using a leash, gate, or expen to prevent puppy jumping during greetings. The more your puppy practices the art of jumping, the better they get at it.

1. Setting Everyone Up for Success

Creating a welcoming environment for calm greetings involves teaching your puppy an alternative behavior and rewarding them for it. Teach them all four paws on the floor when meeting people and reward them with treats and praise for staying grounded. This reinforces the idea that good things happen when they have all four paws on the floor.

*Note: Puppies jumping up due to fear and anxiety are a different topic and don’t fall under general puppy jumping strategies.

How Dogs Learn: The Role of Learning and Teaching

Remember, in the interaction between you and your puppy, someone is always learning, and someone is always teaching. While you might think you’re teaching your puppy not to jump (telling them off), they could be learning that jumping is fun and gets them attention. This mirrors the way us humans learn and teach – sometimes, the lessons we intend to impart are not the ones received. Intention and miscommunication can happen when interacting with any living being.

5 Ways You are Accidentally Reinforcing Puppy Jumping

• Giving eye contact (eye contact is attention)
• Patting your puppy when they jump up
• Talking to your puppy while they are jumping up
• Waving your hands around to get  your puppy down (this is a fun game for puppies)
• Bending over to say hello (this is an invitation for them to jump up)

The One Thing You Need to do to Stop Puppy Jumping

It’s important to recognize that your puppy won’t change their behavior unless you change yours. Consistency is crucial. A routine that includes management strategies and positive reinforcement will go a long way in helping your puppy learn the desired behavior. If we want to see change and stop puppy jumping, we are the ones who make to make the changes so our puppy can learn and get it right.

Final Words on What We Think is Stubborn Puppy Jumping

Raising an adolescent puppy is a journey that requires patience, understanding. It also requires us to make changes so our puppies can be successful. Jumping up to greet people is a behavior deeply ingrained in their nature, and overcoming it takes time and consistent effort. By recognizing the underlying reasons for this behavior, implementing effective management strategies, setting up opportunities for success, and being the consistent teacher your pup needs, you can guide your puppy toward calm and controlled greetings that enhance the bond between you.

If you’ve had your puppy for a while or even for a short time, you have probably found yourself frustrated at times and wondering why your puppy is being so difficult. Even while admiring how adorable your puppy is, you’ve likely wondered how to deal with a stubborn puppy. As puppy parents, we often find ourselves seeking answers on how to fix a defiant puppy or wondering why your puppy is being so spiteful.

Puppies have different developmental stages. As your puppy grows you might have asked yourself “when does my puppy reach maturity”? Your puppy has two maturity developmental phases. The first one is their sexual maturity and the second one is the social maturity. Let’s dive in and explore the different maturity stages of when a puppy becomes and adult dog.