Q. How can I get my 7-month-old puppy to stop jumping on my company and me? She is always excited to see us and jumps all over. What should I do?

A. It's a common problem — your dog loves people so much she wants to knock them over! The worst thing you can do is to banish her to the back yard, because then she will never learn how to behave properly. The trainers at our shelter recommend that you make sure no one is allowed to pet the dog unless she has all four feet on the floor. If she jumps up, don't reward the behavior by giving her attention. Even reprimanding her or pushing her away is still giving her attention.

Let your family and friends know that she if she jumps, they are to turn away from the dog. Give her a sit or down command. Once she is sitting, and only when she is sitting, give her all the attention she wants. If she jumps up again, start all over. You may even have to have one person hold the dog's leash under their foot, so she is physically unable to jump up, while the other person practices getting her to sit for attention.

A good game to discourage jumping up is the "airplane game." Have the dog sit. Hold a piece of food or treat up in the air over her head and bring it down slowly. If she tries to jump up for it, pull it away. She is only given the treat when she does not jump up. Make sure to give her a verbal reinforcement, such as "down" that she associates with staying put.

It takes a lot of work on your part, and some help from your friends, but you really can train her not to jump. If you need more detailed help, there is an excellent selection of dog training books at http://www.dogwise.com.

Q. We have a Golden Retriever who I'm afraid we may have to put to sleep soon due to arthritis and old age. We've actually been putting it off because of our children. How do I keep them from being traumatized by losing their best friend?

A. In your situation, deciding to euthanize your pet gives you much more control over your children's grief than a death where you have no control, such as your pet being hit by a car. You can choose when to say goodbye to your pet and properly prepare your children for the loss. You didn't say how old your children are, but that is an important factor in how they react to a pet's death. Here are some general guidelines:

— It is important not to trivialize a pet's death, as it is usually a child's first experience with death and loss. You should be prepared to answer their questions honestly and openly. It's best not to deceive children, even young ones, about what is happening. Avoid euphemisms like "put to sleep" or "passed away" - they can be confusing. Explain the euthanasia in age-appropriate terms. Older children may choose to be present, but make sure that they are completely informed about what is going to happen. Your veterinarian can help explain the process and assess whether older children should attend.

— Younger children often need reassurance that they did not cause the pet's illness or death. They may also ask questions about their parents' or their own death. They should understand that feeling bad about their dog's death is completely normal. On the other hand, sometimes children do not appear to be grieving initially. Their minds are still processing what has happened and they will likely revisit the issue in the future. Do not rush to replace the deceased pet until the family has had time to come to terms with the loss. Don't avoid talking about the pet to try to spare your children sad feelings. Talking about the pet — and even crying — can help greatly with the healing process.

— Help your children memorialize their pet. Memorials can take the form of scrapbooks, journals, poems, stories, videotapes or goodbye ceremonies. A simple shoebox can be decorated and serve as a memory box with photos, dog tags, toys, and other things to remember your pet. Consider an engraved plaque, or planting a tree or flower over the grave.

— Often parents have difficulty talking to their children about death. We don't like to see our children in pain and grief. Don't hesitate to bring in outside support if you need to. Teachers, school counselors, family therapists, and members of the clergy can be very helpful.

While losing a pet is always very difficult, you may find this a unique opportunity to teach your children about your religious beliefs concerning life after death. It can be a wonderful consolation for your children to realize that they will never really lose their best friend, that he will be with them in their hearts and memories forever.