Key takeaways
- Dogs jump to greet and get attention — and attention rewards it.
- Teach an incompatible behavior: a dog that sits can't jump.
- Everyone must be consistent: attention only when four paws are on the floor.
- Use a leash or gate to manage greetings while your dog learns.
Dogs jump up to get close to our faces — it's a friendly greeting. Unfortunately, it can knock over children and older people and ruin clothes. The fix is to teach your dog what to do instead.
Why it keeps happening
Every time jumping earns attention — even pushing the dog away or saying "no!" — the behavior is rewarded. Many dogs see "down! off!" and shoving as part of the game.
The plan
1. Manage greetings
- Put your dog behind a gate or on a leash when guests arrive.
- Keep a jar of treats by the door.
- Ask guests to ignore the dog until it's calm.
2. Teach a solid sit
Practice sit in many places until it's reliable.
3. Reward four paws on the floor
- When you come home, if your dog jumps, turn away and stay quiet.
- The instant all four paws are on the floor (or your dog sits), mark "yes!" and give calm attention or a treat low down.
- If your dog jumps again, turn away again.
4. Practice with helpers
Ask a friend to approach while your dog is on a leash:
- Your dog sits → the helper approaches.
- Your dog stands or jumps → the helper turns and walks away.
- Your dog sits again → the helper comes back and greets calmly.
Repeat with different people until your dog learns that sitting makes people come closer.
5. Try "scatter" greetings
For very excitable dogs, toss a handful of treats on the floor as you walk in. Sniffing for treats keeps paws down and gives your dog something to do with its excitement.
Keep your own arrivals low-key. Say a quiet hello, put your bags down, then greet your dog once it's calm.
On walks
If people want to greet your dog, only allow it when your dog sits. If your dog is too excited, it's fine to say "Not today, we're training!" and move on.
What not to do
Kneeing a dog in the chest, stepping on back paws or squeezing paws can cause injury and makes your dog wary of people. It's also unnecessary — the reward-based approach works.
Everyone needs to be consistent
If some family members allow jumping and others don't, your dog will keep trying. Agree on the rule: no attention for jumping, ever.
