Try this trainer's surprising tip to stop your dog from jumping at the front door

Does your dog like to jump up at the front door? This is a pretty common issue for dog parents to have, and it might be that your pup is simply excited to have a potential visitor or they want to get your attention, or they might be exhibiting territorial behavior.

For many of us, it’s not a desirable behavior. It can be annoying, and could be a safety issue if the person at the door is frail or carrying something, and your dog might jump up at them when the door opens.

Fortunately, it can be simpler to address than you think, and apparently the best dog snuffle mats could help!

Juliana DeWillems, an expert trainer and the founder of JW Dog Training & Behavior, has offered a handy tip featuring snuffle mats in a new Instagram post, and we can’t wait to try it.

Routesun Snuffle Mat for Dogs: at Amazon US

Made from a soft eco-friendly, machine-washable, sustainable polar fleece material, this snuffle mat comfortable and inviting while still being durable. The mat is divided into different spaces for maximum interactivity. Strands that mimic grass on one half, and a host of flaps, pockets, and cups on the other - perfect for hiding small treats and kibble.

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First, are snuffle mats good for dogs? The answer is yes, so place a snuffle mat next to the front door!

“Scatter a bunch of treats in the snuffle mat as soon as somebody knocks on the door or arrives at your house,” says DeWillems. “This can keep your dog focused on the treats and away from your guests while they walk in for longer than if you just drop some treats on the floor.”

DeWillems advises using your dog’s favorite treats, and practicing with your pup every day – this will make them more familiar with the game and enjoy it too. “You can use lower-value treats or kibble when snuffling without guests,” she adds, so there’s no need to bring out the best treats all the time!

It’s worth remembering, however, that snuffle mats have all sorts of benefits, and you can use them in other situations too. Snuffle mats encourage our pups to make the most of their impressive sense of smell, providing plenty of mental stimulation and staving off boredom – and here’s how to make a snuffle mat for dogs if you’d rather not buy one.

Using a snuffle mat can burn off a lot of energy too. In fact, even just 15 minutes of play with a snuffle mat can be just as tiring as walking for an hour, so it’s a win-win!

If jumping up at visitors when they arrive is an issue, it’s a good idea to pre-warn guests before they arrive. Even if your best friend might be totally happy for your dog to jump up at them, for example, the delivery man or your great-aunt might not appreciate it.

And for more advice, you might find this article useful: I tried everything to get my dog to stop jumping up, here’s what actually worked.