Jumping up, nipping, and puppy mouthiness
What's going on
Jumping up is greeting behavior. In dog language, faces are where the information lives — breath, eyes, scent. Your dog wants to say hello, and you happen to be tall. Mouthing, especially in puppies and adolescents, is play, exploration, and teething rolled into one. Neither is 'bad behavior.' Both are well-meaning behaviors that need redirection.
What to try
Reward four on the floor
The instant your dog's feet are on the ground, you are a treat-dispensing miracle. Feet down, treat. Feet down, calm pet. Feet up, you become a statue — no eye contact, no words, no touch. Turn your back if you have to. The moment four feet hit the floor again, the party returns. Dogs are excellent statisticians. The behavior that earns attention is the one that grows.
Teach a default sit greeting
Practice with calm visitors first. The dog sits, the visitor approaches and pets. The dog stands up, the visitor steps back. Within a few sessions, most dogs choose to sit on their own. Cue the kids and guests too: 'wait until she's sitting.'
For puppy mouthing — redirect, don't punish
A puppy uses their mouth like a baby uses their hands. The plan: a toy is always within reach. Mouth on hand, redirect to toy. Mouth on toy, lavish praise. If they're too wound up to redirect, end the play session calmly — they need a nap. Most puppies are mouthiest when they're overtired.
Reinforce the behavior you want. Ignore — calmly — the one you don't. Dogs are excellent statisticians.
Build bite inhibition
When a puppy bites a bit too hard during play, give a small high-pitched 'ouch!' and pause the game for a few seconds. Resume. Repeat. They learn that hard mouths end the fun. This is one of the most important lessons a young dog ever learns.
What to avoid
- Don't knee the dog in the chest. It hurts and it teaches nothing.
- Don't grab the collar and yell. That's just exciting attention.
- Don't 'alpha roll' or pin a mouthy puppy. You will damage trust and add fear.
- Don't ask kids to greet a jumpy dog face-to-face. They'll get knocked over.
When to ask for help
Adolescent jumping that involves grabbing clothes, hard biting, or bruising — especially with children — calls for a positive-reinforcement trainer. Same for any adult dog whose mouthing has hardened into nipping. Reach out and we'll help you find someone.
Watch & learn
A few curated videos from trainers we trust. Click any thumbnail to play.
