Why does my Mini Dachshund jump and mouth? How to stop a puppy from jumping up

Reviewed by Rachel Rodgers

26th May 2023

Summary

One Napo member asked, “Why does my mini dachshund jump towards me barking?” Our in-house clinical animal behaviourist, Rachel Rodgers, has answered this question with a full-length article. 🤓

Her top tip? Ignore the jumping, and reward your pup every time they're calm and mouth on appropriate toys, instead of your hands.

Jumping up and mouthing are two of the most common puppy behaviours we're asked about. Don't worry, it's super common for puppies as well as adolescent dogs, like your 9-month-old Dachshund.

In this article, we'll explain why your puppy behaves this way and provide you with practical tips on how to stop them from jumping up. Let's explore this playful behavior and learn how to address it effectively.

Why is my puppy jumping up?

Your Mini Dachshund's jumping, barking, and mouthing are expressions of their playful nature, and a way to communicate their excitement. Jumping up is their attempt to get closer to you and engage in playtime or seek attention. Barking accompanies their enthusiasm. Remember, they are not biting, but mouthing is their way of exploring the world around them, including your hands and arms.

Why is my 9-month-old puppy jumping and biting?

At 9 months old, your puppy is an adolescent or a "teenager". They're still playful and rambunctious like a puppy, if not more so. And they're still learning how we humans want them to behave. At this age, your pup is probably jumping and biting (or mouthing) to get your attention, or to instigate playing.

Plus, your pup is probably frustrated as their expectations aren’t being met. Often when we have small puppies, we happily pick them up and fuss them when they jump up, but now they’re bigger and doing it expecting attention, and being refused. They don’t get why it’s suddenly not okay! This frustration is why they can start barking and mouthing when they jump up, because they’re escalating their behaviour to try and get your attention.

How to stop a puppy jumping up

While jumping up is a normal response for dogs, it's vital to teach them the behaviour you would like them to do instead. Here are some tips to help you teach your puppy not to jump.

Ignore the jumping.
When your puppy jumps up, avoid giving them attention, eye contact, or physical contact. Just stand up straight and cross your arms, and eventually, your pup will get that jumping won't get them what they want.
Teach sit and stay.
Teach your puppy to sit and stay on cue. Practice these cues during short training sessions and reward them with treats and praise when they follow them correctly. By redirecting their energy into sitting instead of jumping, you reinforce calm and polite behaviour.
Redirect the behaviour.
Offer your puppy a toy or treat as a positive outlet for their excitement. Encourage them to play with the toy or focus on the treat instead of jumping up. This helps redirect their behaviour and teaches them ways to seek attention that you find more appropriate.
Consistency is key.
Be consistent in your response to your puppy jumping up. Ensure everyone in your household follows the same rules and reinforces the desired behaviour. Consistency helps your puppy understand what is expected of them.
Seek professional help.
If your puppy's jumping behaviour persists or becomes problematic, you can ask a professional dog trainer or behaviourist for help. They'll provide personalised advice and help address any underlying issues contributing to the behaviour.

Do puppies grow out of jumping up?

While some puppies do calm down as they get older, they won't grow out of jumping up. Training is what teaches them not to jump up. If your puppy isn't taught the appropriate behaviour to say hello and get your attention, they will continue to jump up.

How to stop a puppy from jumping up and biting (or mouthing)

To stop a puppy from jumping up and biting or mouthing, you'll need to combine training to stop them jumping up with teaching them not to bite. Like teaching your puppy not to jump up, this relies on redirection and setting expectations. For more info here's a full guide on how to stop puppy biting and mouthing. We'll also put a few tips below.

How to stop puppy mouthing

Similar to training a puppy not to jump up, getting a puppy to stop mouthing relies on teaching them what to do instead. Here are a few ideas.

Encourage gentle play.
Puppies often mouth as a way to engage in play. Teach your puppy to play gently by redirecting their mouthing to appropriate toys. Whenever your puppy begins to mouth your hands or other body parts, offer them a chew toy or a teething toy instead. Praise and reward them when they interact with the toy, reinforcing the desired behaviour.
Provide sufficient chew toys.
Make sure your puppy has access to a variety of chew toys specifically designed for teething puppies. These toys help relieve discomfort and provide an appropriate outlet for their natural chewing instincts. Rotate the toys regularly to keep their interest and prevent boredom.
Consistency in Training.
Consistency is key when it comes to training your puppy to stop mouthing. Whenever your puppy mouths you, firmly say "no" and withdraw your attention. Redirect their focus to a chew toy and praise them when they engage with it. Be patient and repeat this process consistently, reinforcing the idea that mouthing is not acceptable behaviour.
Use bitter-tasting deterrents.
To discourage mouthing, you can apply a bitter-tasting deterrent specifically formulated for pets. Put it on your hands or any areas that your puppy tends to mouth. The unpleasant taste will discourage them from mouthing and redirect their attention to more appropriate objects.
Socialise your puppy.
Proper socialization plays a crucial role in curbing mouthing behaviour. Expose your puppy to different environments, people, and other animals. This exposure helps them learn appropriate behaviour and bite inhibition. Interaction with other dogs, supervised by experienced dog owners, can teach your puppy to control the force of their bites during play.
Seek professional help.
Again, if your puppy's mouthing behaviour persists or becomes a concern, ask for some help from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can provide tailored advice and additional techniques to address the specific needs of your puppy. You can find a certified dog trainer on the ABTC website.

Conclusion

Understanding why your Mini Dachshund pup jumps, barks, and mouths your hands and arms is the first step in addressing their behavior. By redirecting their energy, teaching them appropriate cues, and being consistent in your response, you can effectively stop a puppy jumping up. Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key to shaping their behaviour.