Doggie Diaries: Jump! For My Love

Feb 18th 2010

Pippi's arrival in our home has been a lot of fun. Our new dog loves being near Anna and me and she loves meeting new people. The problem is that in her enthusiasm for children, friends, strange dogs and, well, anyone who happens to be passing by, Pippi often leaps on them to say hello. In the process, she has jumped onto some folks' bad side.

One early-morning, Pippi and Anna were exploring a yard when a small, middle-aged woman walked by on the sidewalk. With a hop, skip and a jump, Pippi reared up in front of her, placing her front paws on the lady's collarbone to say hello.

"Excuse me, ma'am!" the vexed woman yelped, looking at Anna sharply. Anna apologized, retracted Pippi's leash and tried to make her sit, but the damage was done.

Puppies are prone to hopping up, in an attempt to become face-to-face with their guardians and potential new friends. (It's a way for them to get closer to you, and, of course, makes it easier for them to lick your face.) The ever-curious Pippi seems especially prone to this behavior. It surely doesn't help that in our dog-friendly town, lots of people actually invite her to jump up and play with them.

What do you think, readers? Must we lay down the law and insist Pippi never jump up on anyone? And, if so, what's the best way to nip this jumping behavior in the bud?