The holiday season is a time for friends and family to visit. But not everyone likes being jumped on by a love puppy. You can train your dog to greet guests politely — keeping all four paws on the ground.

A visit to a nearby dog park is all it takes to see that canines greet each other calmly, with a sniff and sometimes a lick to the muzzle. They'd like to greet their human friends the same way, but to follow dog protocol, they have to jump to reach your face.

Many professional trainers teach dogs to do something that is incompatible with jumping, such as sitting. Attention, snacks and pats are excellent incentives for goal-oriented dogs. Upon greeting your dog, crouch down next to him and say "sit" while showing him a treat. Move the treat closer and closer to his face. He will instinctively back up and sit down. Praise him, then give him the treat and a pat.

Another training technique: Using the command "off." The next time you come home from work and your dog jumps up, fold your arms in front of you, turn away and say "off." Stay turned away so that he can't reach your face. Once all four paws are back on the ground, quietly praise him and give him a pat and a treat.

If an enthusiastic dog begins to jump as he's being praised, stand up, turn away and repeat the training techniques. Resist pushing the dog away or getting excited — this will just elevate his enthusiasm. Pushing a dog away as a reaction to unwanted behavior gives the dog the attention he demands. Use this same technique when friends visit, and encourage them to reinforce your training by turning away from your dog when he exhibits bad manners. Help your visitors out too, command your dog to sit and stay before opening the door.

Take training one step further and teach your dog to sit and shake hands. Start with the "sit" command then add on the request to "shake." The quicker you get your dog to sit before he jumps, the more effective your training program will be.

Consistent, repetitive practice will eventually teach your dog that he gets no attention when he jumps, but receives praise and treats when he doesn't.

PICTURES WITH SANTA PAWS

Santa Claus returns to the Hawaiian Humane Society. For a $20 donation, families and pets have their photo taken by a portrait photographer with (or without) Santa Claus. You can even choose a Santa cap and other pet accessories. Sponsored by Fujifilm Hawaii, Pictures with Santa Paws is at the Hawaiian Humane Society's Paul Wagner Garden Dec. 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ADOPTABLES

Jolteon

Tag No. 79897. Big and beautiful, Jolteon is a calm, 6-year-old cat seeking a new home. His coat is cream with blond and light orange stripes. Those age 60 and older can adopt Jolteon at no charge through the Seniors for Seniors program.

Dizzy

Tag No. 62966. A lanky hound mix, Dizzy is a handsome teenager who has been waiting for a home for several months. Come and meet Dizzy in an acquaintance area where you can really get to know this attractive, well-mannered dog.

These particular animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open noon to 8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The incoming animals area always is open. If you've lost or found an animal, call the society immediately at 946-2187, ext. 285. See www .hawaiianhumane.org.