Dogs often jump on people as a way of greeting, showing excitement, or seeking attention. While this behavior may seem harmless, it can be problematic—especially for children, elderly people, or guests who aren’t comfortable around dogs. Teaching your dog not to jump requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
In this guide, we’ll explore why dogs jump, effective training methods to stop it, and how to reinforce polite greetings.
Why Do Dogs Jump on People?
Dogs don’t jump to be bad; they do it because:
- Excitement: They’re happy to see you and want to express it.
- Attention-seeking: If jumping gets them attention, they will keep doing it.
- Learned behavior: If people respond positively (petting or talking), they associate jumping with rewards.
- Natural instinct: Puppies jump on their mothers to get attention, and this behavior can continue into adulthood.
Now, let’s go over how to stop it.
Step 1: Ignore the Jumping Behavior
Dogs jump because they want attention. If you react (even by scolding them), they see it as engagement.
How to Fix It:
✔ When your dog jumps, turn your back and avoid eye contact.
✔ Keep your arms crossed and remain silent—don’t push them off.
✔ Only give attention when all four paws are on the ground.
✔ If they stay calm, reward them with praise and treats.
Dogs quickly learn that jumping doesn’t get them what they want, but calm behavior does.
Step 2: Teach the “Sit for Greeting” Method
Instead of punishing jumping, teach your dog an alternative greeting behavior—sitting.
How to Train It:
- Ask your dog to sit before they greet someone.
- Have a friend approach—if the dog stays seated, reward them.
- If the dog jumps, the person should step back and ignore them.
- Repeat until your dog remains seated for greetings.
✔ Reward them only when they stay seated.
Step 3: Use the “Four on the Floor” Rule
Encourage your dog to keep all four paws on the ground by reinforcing positive behavior.
How to Train It:
✔ Whenever your dog keeps their paws down, reward them with treats.
✔ If they jump, ignore them and walk away.
✔ Repeat consistently so they learn that calm greetings bring rewards.
Step 4: Redirect Excitement with a Toy
Some dogs jump out of sheer excitement. Redirecting that energy to a toy can help.
How to Fix It:
✔ Before guests arrive, give your dog a favorite toy.
✔ Encourage them to hold it in their mouth instead of jumping.
✔ This provides an outlet for excitement without bad behavior.
Step 5: Practice Controlled Greetings
Practice makes perfect! Have family members or friends help train proper greetings.
Training Exercise:
✔ Put your dog on a leash.
✔ Have someone approach while your dog sits.
✔ If they stay calm, reward them.
✔ If they jump, have the person walk away.
Repeat this exercise until your dog consistently greets people politely.
Step 6: Prevent Jumping During Homecomings
Dogs often jump when their owners return home.
How to Fix It:
✔ Ignore your dog until they calm down.
✔ Once they relax, greet them calmly and reward polite behavior.
✔ Avoid over-exciting them during greetings.
Step 7: Teach Guests How to Respond
If guests encourage jumping by petting your dog, training won’t be effective.
✔ Instruct visitors to ignore your dog if they jump.
✔ Ask them to only give attention when your dog is calm.
✔ Provide treats so guests can reward good behavior.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Pushing the Dog Off
❌ Mistake: Using hands to push your dog away.
✅ Solution: This can seem like play. Instead, turn away and ignore them.
2. Giving Attention Too Soon
❌ Mistake: Petting them while they’re still excited.
✅ Solution: Wait until they are completely calm before rewarding them.
3. Not Being Consistent
❌ Mistake: Letting them jump sometimes but not others.
✅ Solution: Everyone in the household must follow the same rules.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog continues jumping despite training, consult a:
✔ Dog Trainer – For hands-on guidance and behavior correction.
✔ Veterinarian – If excessive excitement is linked to anxiety.
✔ Canine Behaviorist – For more advanced behavior modification.
Conclusion
Teaching your dog not to jump on people requires patience and consistency. By ignoring jumping, rewarding calm behavior, and using proper training techniques, your dog will learn to greet people politely.
Stick with the training, and soon, your dog will greet guests with all four paws on the ground!