Jumping Up, Chewing and Barking: 3 Common Puppy Problems
Updated: 3 days ago
Barking, chewing and jumping up are three of the puppy problems I hear about most. They're all normal puppy behaviour, and they're all much easier to change while your puppy is young than once they're fully grown, because a learned behaviour that's had hundreds of practices takes a lot longer to unpick.
THE SHORT ANSWER
For jumping up, give attention only when all four paws are on the floor, drop treats on the floor rather than holding them out, and make sure everyone at home does the same. For chewing, give plenty of safe chews, puppy-proof the room and swap rather than snatch. For barking, work out why first (bored, worried, excited or wanting something) and meet that need. Keep a steady routine, reward what you like, and stay consistent.
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Jumping up
Puppies jump up because it works. They jump, we bend down for a cuddle, they jump again, and it quickly becomes a learned habit. It's sweet at ten weeks. It's not so sweet when they're fully grown.
Four paws on the floor. At ten to twelve weeks, most puppies won't have learned a down yet. Reward four paws on the floor
Treats on the floor. A treat coming from your hand up to their nose encourages jumping. Drop it on the floor instead
Everyone, every time. If one person cuddles the jumping, the habit sticks
By around five months, you can start shaping four paws on the floor into a down.
Chewing
Chewing is how puppies explore and how they ease sore gums when teething. You can't stop it, but you can choose what gets chewed.
Keep plenty of safe chews and food toys around
Puppy-proof the room: shoes, cables and remote controls out of reach
If your puppy picks up something they shouldn't, swap it for a chew rather than chasing them
Use a pen or baby gate when you can't watch them
Barking
Barking is communication, so the first job is to work out what your puppy is telling you.
Bored: more brain games and food toys
Worried: give distance from whatever's bothering them
Excited: keep greetings calm and reward quiet
Wanting something: wait for a moment of quiet, then respond
Shouting back usually makes it worse, because your puppy may think you're joining in. Read understanding dog vocalisation.
Routine and consistency
A steady routine for meals, toilet trips, play and naps helps with all three. An overtired puppy jumps, chews and barks more, so make sure they're getting enough sleep. Read why puppies need more sleep than training.
Start now
All three are learned habits, and learned habits can be unlearned. It's much easier at ten weeks than at ten months, so start small, start today and keep everyone at home on the same page.
RENEE'S TIP
Keep a small pot of treats by the front door. When a visitor arrives and your puppy keeps four paws on the floor, you're ready to drop a treat straight away.
QUICK CHECK
ā Fuss only for four paws on the floor
ā Treats on the floor, not from your hand
ā Safe chews in every room
ā Work out why your puppy is barking
ā Same rules from everyone
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FAQs
How do I stop my puppy jumping up?
Give attention only when all four paws are on the floor, drop treats on the floor, and get everyone at home doing the same.
Why does my puppy chew everything?
Chewing is how puppies explore and soothe sore gums. Give safe chews and puppy-proof the room.
Why is my puppy barking so much?
Usually boredom, worry, excitement or wanting something. Work out which, then meet that need.
Should I shout at my puppy for barking?
No. They may think you're joining in. Wait for quiet and reward it.
When should I start training my puppy not to jump?
Straight away. It's a learned habit, and much easier to change while your puppy is young.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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