Stopping 5 month old puppy from jumping and puddling!!!

[Jill Mooney]

My 5 month old puppy puddles everytime someone new comes in the house! I know she gets excited--but will they grow out of this?? any suggestions? I'm trying to teach her to NOT JUMP on people - and everyone else thinks we need to paddle her. I don't believe in that... any ideas?

[Adina P]

Oh gosh...yeah no paddling. But obedience training is necessary. A dog that can 'sit stay' can't jump up..because it's sit-staying =) So three cheers for working on obedience training--but it's not a quick fix as it will take some work to get her to the level that will prevent her jumping.

In the meantime:

1) DON'T let her jump on people (crate, gate, leash--whatever works but don't just hide her out forever until she's trained).
2) Tell people that if they don't want her jumping on them THEY also have to make an effort :-) I believe a quickly lifted knee to block jumping and make the dog rethink the idea of jumping is totally okay. It won't injure the dog (unless you have a friend that is a jerk and TRIES to injure the dog--in which case don't tell that person to do it). If they don't feel comfortable doing that at least they can turn around and not give her attention (no eye contact, no words, no any kind of response) for jumping. People usually get so worked up when a dog jumps (whether they like it or not) that they touch the dog and say things to it and that in turn makes the dog feel rewarded for jumping and thus they want to jump some more!

As to urinating when meeting people ... that goes away on its own--but you can't punish her for it because that will only make it worse. She can't control excitement urination. It HELPS if the guests can IGNORE the dog for the first 5 minutes. COMPLETELY ignore the dog...walk in the door and keep walking. Or take your guests outside to greet the dog so if it piddles it is on the grass instead of on your carpet.

[Sandi]

One trainer suggested that guests aren't allowed to pat the dog until the guest is sitting in a specific chair. Of course, you have to train your guests! But this seems easier to communicate than asking someone to lift a knee.
Also, Brewster was an excited puddler. It really helps to discourage any high pitched greetings. Insist that greeters use their adult voice -- not their "puppy" voice.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Getting Tara not to jump on people has been one of the most difficult things in her training. I have to agree with everything Adina said. Keep in mind that jumping is natural for dogs and they want to smell your face which is how they can get to know you (lots of information on a face :>) Also it is important that no one ever lets her jump on them for any reason. We have a neighbor who LOVES for Tara to come and jump on him and give him kisses. I call him the anti-trainer. However, his dog only recently crossed over the Rainbow Bridge and we just don't have the heart to ask him to stop. But I do think it is (especially when she was younger) confusing for her and that she would have learned much faster without the conflicting approaches. Puddling is natural too for some puppies that get over excited or have submissive personalities. Paddling could make it worse by causing more fear. Tara would puddle if a man would bend over her and look straight at her and talk to her (even in a nice way). I think it was pretty scary for her. Whether your pup is puddling from fear or excitement, either way, the things Adina suggests for jumping should help with puddling too. Remove her from the situation (gate, leash) as she is obviously being overwhelmed by too much stimulation. Just keep moving her back until you find her comfort level and start there. When she can stay calm and relaxed at that distance then slowly work at moving her closer to the stimulation. It can take time.

One other thing. Keep in mind that puppies are little infants who have been thrown into an environment where no one speaks their language. It would be like you in a household of Italian speaking people (or some language you don't speak) and they are yelling at you trying to get you to do something. And you have no clue what they want!! Dogs don't communicate in English or even with words at all which makes it even more difficult for them. Sometimes it amazes me how well they do!! Continue to train with patience, kindness and perseverance and you will have a wonderful companion before you know it!!

[Jill Mooney]

Thanks so much!!! We've had so much luck with training (basics). And i watch lots of 'It's me or the dog" and Cesar!! We're against any dog abuse and can't stand to see people paddle dogs! Or even yell at them. But perserverance is so important, i found out. I also find that I'm the one that usually does the training, (especially w/treats) and I'm the one w/most patience. I guess it's ok if husband isn't quite involved--but she's good w/his commands. I'm going to work on the puddling this weekend and keep her back from visitors. maybe a leash will work for a while. we're working on 'STAY' now, and she's having a hard time w/that one. May take lots of liver treats!! thanks.. jill

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

J.
Please join the Doodle Whisper Group. Lots of discussions about issues such as jumping puppies and how to handle them

You are not alone in that your puppy is a jumper but there are great solutions for owners and puppies to learn. Join the group, read some of the old discussions about jumping. I'm sure you will find great suggestions-that certainly will be better than the advice you so far have been given. Stay with us here and tell those other people to Sit-Stay

Join a puppy class with your puppy also. It's fun, you find solutions............ too. Then tell those other people to heal.... good grief. Paddling won't teach your baby puppy. Good luck. Before you know it you will have a calmer older beautiful puppy.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/doodlewhisperers

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/doodlewhisperers/forum/topics/jum...

Here is one for starters with 36 responses

Hope this helps

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Puddling:
Here is one of my favorite discussions about puddling/excitement pee/submissive urination

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/need-advice-with-mickeys?c...

They grow out of this. You will be surprised to find out the reasons why and when this occurs.

[Jill Mooney]

Thanks so much for all the info!!! you know, there's always that ONE family member that knows exactly how and what to do to your dog!!!!! I laughed at the woman that runs real quick outside after she opens the door FAST to let dog out!! that's so me! I love this site!!! and your doodle is beautiful!!!! thanks again!