Do you have a bouncy puppy with you? Most dogs can jump really high, even higher than themselves, but it’s not always good for them.
It’s not a good idea for puppies to jump a lot when they are in tough or competitive situations until they are around 12 to 15 months old.
For really big or slow-growing types of dogs, they might need to wait even longer. This is because the parts of their bones that help them grow are still open until they’re at least 12 months old.
If they jump a lot while these parts are still growing, it can hurt them for a long time.
Also, when dogs are young, they don’t have strong muscles to protect them when they land after jumping, like grown-up dogs do.
So, it’s also important to stop your young dog from jumping too much in everyday things like jumping onto beds, over gates, and out of the car.
On the other hand, do you have playful little puppies at home who enjoy leaping onto the couch?
Even though they might seem adorable and huggable, it’s really important to realize that hopping onto the couch can actually harm their health.
That’s why it’s crucial to know when your puppy has grown enough to safely jump onto the couch.
I talked to experts to get their advice, and I’ve gathered all of it in this blog post to help you learn.
This article covers when puppies can start jumping on the couch, why it’s not safe for young puppies to jump, and some tips on how to teach your dog not to leap around.
Why Jumping Might Cause Problems for Puppies
Jumping too much can cause issues for puppies, especially if they do it a lot.
This can make their growing joints hurt more and might even lead to problems like hip dysplasia, elbow issues, arthritis, and a wobbly kneecap.
Also, because the parts of their bones that help them grow are still open until they’re a year old, doing the same actions over and over again, like jumping, could hurt them for a long time.
So, it’s smart to make sure puppies don’t jump around too much to keep their joints safe while they grow up.
How Puppies Grow Physically
At about seven weeks old, puppies start getting really good at moving their bodies. They can control how they move and start becoming better at moving around.
This means they might be able to jump up to high places like couches.
Also, puppies become emotionally grown up around 12 to 18 months old. But for smaller breeds, this can start around 5 months.
It’s safest to wait until your pup is all grown emotionally before letting them on the couch. During this time, your pup can understand better what’s okay and what’s not okay.
They’ll know not to jump on the couch without you saying it’s okay.
Lastly, it’s really important to tell your dogs what you expect when it comes to furniture, whether they’re young or old.
When they do what you want, give them a pat on the back. If needed, use effective training to help them learn better behaviors and stop doing things you don’t want them to do.
Letting Out the Playful Puppy Inside
So, when is it okay for puppies to jump on the couch? This is a bit of a tricky question, and the answer isn’t just about age.
Your puppy’s kind of dog, how big they are, and how they act all play a part.
The best idea is to be like an “inner dog whisperer” for your puppy. This means making every time your pup jumps or needs to stay off the furniture a happy and good experience.
You can begin your training journey by connecting with your inner dog through “Bringing out Your Inner Dog.”
This mix of words and pictures will make walking your dog with a leash a joyful time, all while maintaining a relaxed grip.
At his Canine Psychology Center, famous specialist Cesar Millan shares guidance, so you can have the pleasure of having a well-behaved dog that feels comfortable enough to be calm at home without being on the furniture.
Right Rewards for Doing the Right Thing
It’s a big deal to make a system where you give your puppy rewards when they do things you like, like not jumping on the couch.
You can give them rewards like hugs and kind words, which show you’re happy.
There are lots of rewards you can give for being good, like saying nice things, getting treats, staying up a bit later, picking dinner, or doing something fun.
Reward systems are like happy results that help make behavior better. They include things like charts with stickers, systems where you earn tokens or systems where you earn points.
These reward systems help puppies learn good behaviors faster, and they also make the bond between you and your puppy stronger.
When the behaviors you want are being done, give them kind words and treats to make those behaviors stronger. Over time, they’ll understand that they’re doing the right things.
Teaching Your Puppy Where to Go and How to Use a Crate
When you’re figuring out when puppies can jump on the couch, it’s good to follow some simple rules.
It’s a smart idea to start teaching your puppy where to stay and how to use a crate as soon as they come home. Crate training should be connected to nice things, like treats or toys.
The aim is to make a place where your puppy feels safe, cozy, and protected inside the crate. This means going through crate training step by step:
- Put a soft blanket or towel inside the crate for comfort.
- Place treats in the crate as rewards.
- Let puppies check out the crate area and get used to it.
- Keep the crate door open so puppies can go in and out freely.
- Close the crate door for a short time until they feel okay with it.
- Slowly make them spend more time inside by increasing the time bit by bit.
- Every time they go in or out of the crate, give them praise.
Doing these things can help your puppy feel comfortable and happy in their crate.
Training your puppy to use a crate is not just about helping them control when they need to go to the bathroom.
It also gives them a safe space to relax in when you’re not around, so they don’t feel worried or uneasy.
Ways to Stop Puppies from Jumping on the Couch
Even though it might seem like a good idea to use “fast solutions” for a puppy that’s not behaving well, things like traps and shock collars can actually make things worse.
The better way to help your pup learn not to jump on the couch is to use positive training and keep doing it all the time.
You can show your dog the right things to do by giving them treats, using clickers, or saying good things when they do what you want.
And you can also give them fun things to do instead of jumping on the couch.
Similarly, using negative reinforcement to stop your puppy from jumping on the couch can work too.
While positive reinforcement rewards good behavior, negative reinforcement helps to reduce bad behavior by giving them a not-so-nice result when they jump up.
For example, you can say “no” or “get down,” make a loud sound, or use a water spray from a bottle.
Lastly, stopping your pup from going into the room with the furniture can also help change their habits.
You can block the doors with baby gates or close curtains and doors when no one is there.
When it’s not easy to get to the room with the furniture, it’s one more way to help them learn not to jump on the couch.
Conclusion
It’s better for puppies not to hop onto the couch until they’re around 6 months old. Before that, you can help them learn to jump onto their own bed instead.
For your puppy to understand that couch-jumping isn’t okay, make sure they’ve had good socializing and training.
Also, keep a close eye on your puppy and stop them from jumping when they’re still young.
By doing what’s suggested here, you can make sure your puppy stays healthy, joyful, and safe as they check out the world around them.
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