Jumping on people is a common behavior in dogs, often driven by excitement or the desire for attention. While some owners don’t mind, this habit can be problematic—especially when greeting children, elderly individuals, or strangers who may not be comfortable with dogs.
Fortunately, with proper training and consistency, you can teach your dog to greet people politely without jumping.
Why Do Dogs Jump on People?
Dogs jump for several reasons, including:
✔ Excitement – They are happy and can’t contain their energy.
✔ Attention-seeking – If jumping gets them attention, they’ll keep doing it.
✔ Lack of Training – They haven’t been taught the correct way to greet.
✔ Reinforcement – If people pet or talk to them while they jump, they learn that jumping works.
Now, let’s go over how to stop this behavior.
Step 1: Ignore the Jumping
Dogs jump because they want attention. If you react—whether positively or negatively—you’re reinforcing the behavior.
✔ When your dog jumps, turn your back and avoid eye contact.
✔ Keep your arms crossed and remain silent—do not push them away.
✔ Wait for them to put all four paws on the ground.
✔ Once they are calm, reward them with attention and praise.
✔ They’ll quickly learn that jumping gets ignored, but staying calm gets rewarded.
Step 2: Teach an Alternative Greeting Behavior
Instead of punishing jumping, teach your dog a different way to greet people.
✔ Ask them to sit before greeting anyone.
✔ Only allow petting and attention when they remain seated.
✔ If they get up, have the person take a step back and ignore them.
✔ Reward them with treats or praise when they greet people politely.
✔ Repetition helps reinforce good habits.
Step 3: Train the “Off” Command
If your dog jumps, a verbal command can help correct them.
How to Train It:
✔ When they jump, say “Off” in a calm but firm voice.
✔ Guide them back to the ground if needed.
✔ Once they have all four paws on the floor, reward them with a treat and praise.
✔ This teaches them that “Off” means to stop jumping.
Step 4: Use a Leash for Controlled Greetings
If your dog is overly excited, using a leash can help with training.
✔ Keep them on a leash when guests arrive.
✔ Step on the leash or hold it short enough to prevent jumping.
✔ Ask visitors to wait until your dog is calm before greeting them.
✔ Reward your dog when they remain composed.
✔ This method helps reinforce polite greetings in real-life situations.
Step 5: Ask Visitors to Follow the Training
If guests pet or talk to your dog while they jump, the training won’t work.
✔ Tell visitors to ignore jumping and only greet the dog when they’re calm.
✔ Ask them to turn away or step back if the dog jumps.
✔ Have them reward the dog for sitting before greeting.
✔ Everyone must follow the same rules for consistency.
Step 6: Reward Calm Behavior in Everyday Situations
Dogs should learn that staying calm gets them rewards, not just during greetings.
✔ Give treats and praise when they stay calm while you put on the leash, feed them, or open doors.
✔ Avoid overexciting them with high-pitched voices or exaggerated greetings.
✔ Use short, calm interactions to reinforce good behavior.
✔ This helps build self-control in all situations.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Pushing the Dog Off
❌ Mistake: Using your hands to push them away.
✅ Solution: This can seem like play—ignore them instead.
2. Rewarding Excitement Instead of Calmness
❌ Mistake: Petting or talking to them when they jump.
✅ Solution: Wait until they are calm before giving attention.
3. Not Being Consistent
❌ Mistake: Allowing jumping sometimes but not others.
✅ Solution: Always enforce the same rules.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog continues jumping despite training, consult a:
✔ Dog Trainer – For hands-on behavior modification.
✔ Veterinarian – To check for hyperactivity or anxiety issues.
✔ Canine Behaviorist – If jumping is linked to extreme excitement or lack of impulse control.
Conclusion
Teaching your dog to stop jumping on people requires patience and consistency. By ignoring the behavior, rewarding calm greetings, and reinforcing positive habits, you can help your dog develop polite manners.
With time and practice, your dog will learn to greet people without jumping, making interactions safer and more enjoyable for everyone!