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It's Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump: And Other Life Lessons I Learned from Dogs
A charming and hilarious New York Times bestseller about the enduring wisdom of dogs, from the host of the enormously popular National Dog Show
It’s Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump is more than a mere celebration of man’s best friend. In this lighthearted exploration of how and why dogs serve as some of our most valuable and enlightened teachers, well-known and well-loved actor/show host John O’Hurley shares lessons learned from his life with canine companions,
•Every 15 Minutes Is a New Day
•Never Miss a Nap
•When One Person Stops Petting You, Move On
•A Cold Can of Meat Is Still a Feast
•You’re Only as Big as You Think You Are
“Dogs, after all, have pure hearts, trusting natures, a zest for living, noble characters, and an ability to take things in stride,” writes O’Hurley in the book’s introduction. “They can be counted on, and are pleasant companions. They know what's important, always. How many humans do you know about which you could say the same?”
At once poignantly moving and laugh-out-loud funny, It’s Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump is a must read for dog lovers everywhere.
It’s Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump is more than a mere celebration of man’s best friend. In this lighthearted exploration of how and why dogs serve as some of our most valuable and enlightened teachers, well-known and well-loved actor/show host John O’Hurley shares lessons learned from his life with canine companions,
•Every 15 Minutes Is a New Day
•Never Miss a Nap
•When One Person Stops Petting You, Move On
•A Cold Can of Meat Is Still a Feast
•You’re Only as Big as You Think You Are
“Dogs, after all, have pure hearts, trusting natures, a zest for living, noble characters, and an ability to take things in stride,” writes O’Hurley in the book’s introduction. “They can be counted on, and are pleasant companions. They know what's important, always. How many humans do you know about which you could say the same?”
At once poignantly moving and laugh-out-loud funny, It’s Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump is a must read for dog lovers everywhere.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
January 26, 2024
I was looking for a feel-good book featuring dogs, and when I saw the cover in the library catalog of It's Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump, I knew I had found it!
If you know John O'Hurley from playing J. Peterman on Seinfeld or as one of the hosts of the National Dog Show, you'll hear his voice come through in his writing. Every short chapter brings a lesson O'Hurley learned from one of his dogs and how it relates to his life.
Reading these stories made me appreciate the dogs in my life a bit more and ponder what lessons they are teaching me. This book is especially recommended for "dog people." -Diana F.
If you know John O'Hurley from playing J. Peterman on Seinfeld or as one of the hosts of the National Dog Show, you'll hear his voice come through in his writing. Every short chapter brings a lesson O'Hurley learned from one of his dogs and how it relates to his life.
Reading these stories made me appreciate the dogs in my life a bit more and ponder what lessons they are teaching me. This book is especially recommended for "dog people." -Diana F.
September 9, 2008
I love dogs but this book was nothing to bark about.
Read
February 25, 2009Try to jump into your bed but miss the bed on purpose. It is so funny! We laughed so hard. I learned "Never miss a Nap" and "If you're happy and You know it wag your tail
September 3, 2021
**FULL REVIEW**
Book 4 in the 75 Hard Challenge:
This one was a fun read! Laced with humor and style only John O’Hurley can deliver.
The quirkiness of this choice isn’t lost on me…I love dogs. I have four. So, reading how we can learn something from these four-legged mushy, squishy, undeniably loyal and loving creatures was exactly the perfect choice for me right now.
Each chapter labeled with a relevant yet simple gesture that dogs do daily reminded me that life can be so much simpler if we step back and let it be so.
My favorite quote is written twice, and I’m glad because I forgot about it until I read it again (at the very end of the book).
It’s simply this:
”I am of those I’ve touched, and the best of what they are.”
I strive to live my life just that way. Thank you for the reminder.
**4 Pure Puppy Love, Stars**
Book 4 in the 75 Hard Challenge:
This one was a fun read! Laced with humor and style only John O’Hurley can deliver.
The quirkiness of this choice isn’t lost on me…I love dogs. I have four. So, reading how we can learn something from these four-legged mushy, squishy, undeniably loyal and loving creatures was exactly the perfect choice for me right now.
Each chapter labeled with a relevant yet simple gesture that dogs do daily reminded me that life can be so much simpler if we step back and let it be so.
My favorite quote is written twice, and I’m glad because I forgot about it until I read it again (at the very end of the book).
It’s simply this:
”I am of those I’ve touched, and the best of what they are.”
I strive to live my life just that way. Thank you for the reminder.
**4 Pure Puppy Love, Stars**
January 25, 2012
It could be that I'm simply judging books harder the more I read, but my average rating has been dropping lately. I hesitate to rate this book a 2, because in my mind that screams "don't read; waste of time!" Then again, it was simply "okay." So, 2.5. Now that I feel better....
I went into this thinking that I would read funny and charming tales about the author's dogs. Instead, I feel this is one of those book deals only offered to a famous person: an opportunity for him to write about his life and loosely tie his experiences into a topic the public actually wants to read about. While the premise sounds like it will be about dogs, the actual meat of the book skews much more towards the author's quasi-achievements in his youth and the lessons he learned...which he then kind of sort of mushed together with common dog characteristics. These are not the hilarious retellings of antics a dog such as Marley would get into. Instead, one of his lessons is literally "I learned to not be ashamed to take naps because dogs take naps and they don't apologize for it." You know what else dogs don't apologize for? Licking themselves and eating rabbit poop.
Overall, a bland book that's definitely not breaking new ground when it comes to understanding, indulging, or being entertained by our canines.
I went into this thinking that I would read funny and charming tales about the author's dogs. Instead, I feel this is one of those book deals only offered to a famous person: an opportunity for him to write about his life and loosely tie his experiences into a topic the public actually wants to read about. While the premise sounds like it will be about dogs, the actual meat of the book skews much more towards the author's quasi-achievements in his youth and the lessons he learned...which he then kind of sort of mushed together with common dog characteristics. These are not the hilarious retellings of antics a dog such as Marley would get into. Instead, one of his lessons is literally "I learned to not be ashamed to take naps because dogs take naps and they don't apologize for it." You know what else dogs don't apologize for? Licking themselves and eating rabbit poop.
Overall, a bland book that's definitely not breaking new ground when it comes to understanding, indulging, or being entertained by our canines.
December 5, 2017
I picked this up in the used book section when I had some time to kill. Pretty much the definition of beach reading. A breezy read, short chapters, fairly light stuff. Some good insights but little that will bowl one over. Big fans of the author will get some neat biographical insights and dog lovers will appreciate some of his pets' antics.
August 17, 2009
Nice little gems of wisdom and life lessons from dogs and Mr. Peterman! Who knew? I laughed, I cried, it became a part of me! Seriously.
March 9, 2026
I had read 4 stinky uninteresting books in a row: two uninspiring rom-coms, a not very mysterious mystery, and a not-well written historical fiction that fell flat! So I hoped this book would not follow suit! Full disclosure—there aren’t many years in my life that I have been pet less.
I loved this book! The author’s “lessons” apply not only to dogs but ourselves. Every 15 minutes is a new day! If one person doesn’t pat you, move on to the next.
Well written with keen appreciation for our dog family members and a warm and affectionate humor, it is a living tribute to our furry companions.
I loved this book! The author’s “lessons” apply not only to dogs but ourselves. Every 15 minutes is a new day! If one person doesn’t pat you, move on to the next.
Well written with keen appreciation for our dog family members and a warm and affectionate humor, it is a living tribute to our furry companions.
May 4, 2017
I am so delighted to read this book. It was a book borrowed from a friend. And trust me I am totally bowled over with this gem of a novel from John. Its so simple to read through like a breeze. Yet so much to learn from every bit.
I must say, read this one and take down your own little notes for self help.
I must say, read this one and take down your own little notes for self help.
June 6, 2024
In addition to being an actor and being the first ever champion on “Dances with the Stars”, the author is host of NBC’s National Dog Show.” Dogs have always been an important part of his life, and he writes about the wisdom of dogs and the life lessons he has learned from a life with canine companions.
January 29, 2020
A lovely little book on life lessons he has learned from his dogs. They're lessons that would all make us better people (and better dog owners). Now I'm going to curl up with my dogs and go to sleep.
January 17, 2024
I really enjoyed these stories of lessons John O'Hurley has learned from the dogs in his life. His distinct voice comes through in his writing. His stories made me appreciate the dogs in my life a bit more, as well as ponder what lessons they could be teaching me.
August 13, 2024
Quem não ama cachorro é louco. O que os cachorros ensinam pra gente, no dia a dia, acaba sendo muitas vezes, imperceptível. Ainda bem que alguém fez um livro pra exaltar, algumas das MILHÕES de formas que eles nos ajudam.
November 18, 2025
Although not a "deep" book, it was entertaining and included some simple life lessons. Anyone who has ever had a dog or loved a dog will likely enjoy this book. O'Hurley has a delightful writing style.
June 12, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read but gave O'Hurley's spin on having had dogs all his life and the lessons they've taught him. It was lighthearted but insightful.
January 12, 2018
A friend sent me this little book. It's a book of essays about whY the author has learned from his dogs. I enjoyed it. It was well written & very funny in parts.
December 17, 2018
Probably not for everyone, but for dog lovers - it's a great, fun and gentle book
July 18, 2019
John Hurley mixes funny dog stories with a philosophy on life that emphasizes hard work, commitment, love, and faith (and napping!) Great read.
March 9, 2020
I just wish the book was longer. The author is hilarious and I want to hear more of his stories.
April 12, 2020
Loved this book , warm , light read that will make you smile
October 29, 2020
Cute, quick read. Has one really great quote about dogs
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January 9, 2021 a quaint and cutesy book about lessons he's learned from dogs.
July 12, 2021
Kind of amusing. Compared things dogs do to how we should behave. Love running then do it. Set goals and if you miss them the first time, keep trying.
January 28, 2024
Funny and relatable. Dogs make our lives better in so many ways. Very cute stories!
July 27, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It made me realize how much I have learned from the dogs in MY life!
March 18, 2009
Achievement is one of the most important elements of the human experience. Along with acts of love and compassion, it is one of the fundamentals that give our lives meaning. A life devoid of achievement is a life wasted. It is as simple and brutal as that.
What is fascinating about dogs is they innately seem to get this. Dogs focus on what they want and go for it. Self-assessment and goal-definition are often the biggest logjams to the flow of achievement. Many of us are unhappy in our present state and are not fully aware of it. We mask our disenchantment with drugs, alcohol, or other destructive behavior so we are physically and mentally unable to be accountable for it. Sometimes we intentionally become victims of our circumstances in life in an unconscioius effort to avoid taking responsibility for a positive self-appraisal.
They are always grateful as if it were the first time. My dogs have taught me to appreciate more fully and assume much less. Appreciation, for me, is an act of humility, a way to acknowledge what we cannot or did not do for ourselves. It sets a balance between being individual acts of self-fulfillment and being simple creatures of need.
For dogs, every fifteen minutes is a brand-new day. Dogs don’t have expectations beyond their immediate needs. They’re not obsessed with their potential. They’re not crippled by regret. Dogs live totally in the present moment. In many ways, it’s a good deal healthier.
Dogs seem to confront naturally, humans confront conditionally. Dogs confrontations are physical; rarely are adult confrontations anything but verbal. (he hasn’t watched any of Springer has he) Most of our lashing is done with our tongues, not our fists.
We define ourselves not only by what we say yes to, but by the courage to say no. We often agree with the status quo rather than expend the energy it takes to evoke change. Yet, confrontation is a healthy and necessary part of sharing space on this planet. Sometimes we have to take a stand at the fence (like the dog) and imagine the giant within us.
All dogs stretch. Dogs understand their bodies because they are, by nature, physical creatures. They condition their bodies because they need them. Human beings do not. By forty, only one in ten adults can touch their toes. It is no longer important how I run, but that I run, and enjoy the view.
They ask so little in return for what they give, yet they give so much, and they give in silence.
What is fascinating about dogs is they innately seem to get this. Dogs focus on what they want and go for it. Self-assessment and goal-definition are often the biggest logjams to the flow of achievement. Many of us are unhappy in our present state and are not fully aware of it. We mask our disenchantment with drugs, alcohol, or other destructive behavior so we are physically and mentally unable to be accountable for it. Sometimes we intentionally become victims of our circumstances in life in an unconscioius effort to avoid taking responsibility for a positive self-appraisal.
They are always grateful as if it were the first time. My dogs have taught me to appreciate more fully and assume much less. Appreciation, for me, is an act of humility, a way to acknowledge what we cannot or did not do for ourselves. It sets a balance between being individual acts of self-fulfillment and being simple creatures of need.
For dogs, every fifteen minutes is a brand-new day. Dogs don’t have expectations beyond their immediate needs. They’re not obsessed with their potential. They’re not crippled by regret. Dogs live totally in the present moment. In many ways, it’s a good deal healthier.
Dogs seem to confront naturally, humans confront conditionally. Dogs confrontations are physical; rarely are adult confrontations anything but verbal. (he hasn’t watched any of Springer has he) Most of our lashing is done with our tongues, not our fists.
We define ourselves not only by what we say yes to, but by the courage to say no. We often agree with the status quo rather than expend the energy it takes to evoke change. Yet, confrontation is a healthy and necessary part of sharing space on this planet. Sometimes we have to take a stand at the fence (like the dog) and imagine the giant within us.
All dogs stretch. Dogs understand their bodies because they are, by nature, physical creatures. They condition their bodies because they need them. Human beings do not. By forty, only one in ten adults can touch their toes. It is no longer important how I run, but that I run, and enjoy the view.
They ask so little in return for what they give, yet they give so much, and they give in silence.
March 17, 2011
Being a dog owner (or do they own me?) and dog lover, I was drawn to this book. That said, I was hesitant to read another book predicated on dogs and what they teach us, particularly when I learned that one of the author's dogs is fifteen years old, because it always seems that a dog dies before the last page and I'm completely depressed and teary-eyed throughout the reading. Happily, this book was a welcome change from that scenario! Both of the author's current dogs made it through the entire book, and the book as a whole was very upbeat.
The lessons John O'Hurley learned from the dogs in his life, particularly his present pups Betty and Scoshi, were lessons we all have learned - or should. John O'Hurley is an actor and comedian, and his comedic roots come through in the prose of the novel. Instead of crying my way through another book about dogs and why we love them, I was laughing and nodding my head in agreement.
This was an easy, quick read, but humorous and enjoyable. I would recommend this book to all dog lovers and anyone interested in a light-hearted read with a few life lessons thrown in.
The lessons John O'Hurley learned from the dogs in his life, particularly his present pups Betty and Scoshi, were lessons we all have learned - or should. John O'Hurley is an actor and comedian, and his comedic roots come through in the prose of the novel. Instead of crying my way through another book about dogs and why we love them, I was laughing and nodding my head in agreement.
This was an easy, quick read, but humorous and enjoyable. I would recommend this book to all dog lovers and anyone interested in a light-hearted read with a few life lessons thrown in.
July 21, 2013
One of the age old questions is what are dogs thinking? You can look at them and a thousand possibilities could pop up. Well, actor John O'Hurley, best known for playing J. Peterman on "Seinfeld," tries to answer that question for us. By observing his two dogs - Betty, a dachsund and black lab mix; and Scoshi, a maltese well in his years - tries to figure out what goes on in the mind and life of our canine companions. Along with the other dogs that have come and gone in his life, John compares his two best friends with some reflections on his own life, both the good and the bad. This is an inspiring and thought-provoking book. John employs some humor with his anecdotes and offers some wise advice, advice because his eyes have been opened by his dogs. This is a must-read for any dog owner and lover.
January 30, 2010
A great book in which O'Hurley reminisces about the dogs in his life and the lessons they've taught him, simply by being dogs. The main themes in the book are that we as humans tend to take ourselves too seriously and stress out over insignificant things in life. Dogs live in the present and don't act as if what happened in the past matters, and other than short term goals that are more a part of routine than 'plans', dogs don't live in the future either. Dogs also don't spend too much time dwelling on failures, as the title suggests, they simply gather themselves up and try again as if nothing ever happend. These are just some of the examples, but the others are just as good.
All in all, an excellent book full of words to live by, but told from a different perspective.
All in all, an excellent book full of words to live by, but told from a different perspective.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews