How to Stop Dogs Jumping Up on People
Does your dog greet every visitor by launching themselves into their arms?
If so, you’re definitely not alone.
Jumping is one of the most common behaviours dog owners ask for help with. While most dogs jump because they’re excited or happy to see someone, it can quickly become a problem. Not everyone enjoys being greeted by a muddy, overexcited dog, and jumping can easily knock over children or older adults.
The good news? Your dog isn’t being rude or trying to be dominant. They’re simply doing what has worked for them in the past.
Before We Start… Ask Yourself “WTF?”
No, not that WTF!
WTF = What’s the Function?
Before we change a behaviour, we need to understand why it’s happening.
Dogs don’t jump because they’re trying to take over the household. They jump because they’re trying to achieve something.
Most commonly, they’re looking for:
- Attention
- Affection
- Excitement
- A way to get closer to your face
- Interaction with people
If jumping gets your attention—even if you’re pushing them away or saying “off”—your dog may still see it as successful.
Why Ignoring the Jumping Isn’t Always Enough
You’ve probably heard the advice to “just ignore it.”
While removing your attention is important, it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
If we only tell our dogs what not to do, we leave them wondering what they should do instead.
That’s why it’s much more effective to teach an alternative behaviour that earns the attention they’re looking for.
Teach an Alternative Behaviour
Instead of focusing on stopping the jump, focus on teaching the behaviour you’d rather see.
For example, your dog could:
- Sit politely.
- Keep all four paws on the floor.
- Touch your hand.
- Go to a mat.
- Grab a toy before greeting visitors.
Your dog can’t jump and perform another behaviour at the same time.
The more you reward the behaviours you like, the more often your dog will choose them.
Remove Your Attention
If your dog jumps on you, calmly remove your attention.
Turn your body away, avoid eye contact, and quietly step out of reach if needed. As soon as all four paws return to the floor, calmly re-engage and reward that choice.
Remember, we’re not punishing the jump. We’re simply showing our dog that jumping doesn’t make attention happen.
Calm behaviour does.
Reward Four Paws on the Floor
One of the easiest behaviours to reinforce is simply having all four paws on the ground.
Any time your dog approaches someone calmly, reward them before they have the chance to jump.
The more often your dog is rewarded for staying on the floor, the more valuable that behaviour becomes.
Teach a Sit (If It Works for Your Dog)
A sit can be a great greeting behaviour, but it isn’t the only option.
Ask your dog to sit before greeting someone, then reward them while they’re still sitting.
If your dog pops back up to jump, calmly remove attention and try again.
Remember, the goal isn’t a perfect sit.
The goal is calm greetings.
Use a Leash for Management
If your dog becomes very excited when guests arrive, keeping them on a leash can help prevent them from practising jumping.
A leash isn’t there to force your dog into position.
Instead, it simply helps you create space, guide your dog away if needed, and set them up for success while they learn.
Teach a Touch Cue
A Touch cue can be incredibly useful for enthusiastic greeters.
Instead of jumping on your guest, ask your dog to touch their nose to your hand.
Touch gives your dog something appropriate to do while helping redirect their excitement back toward you.
Use a Find It Cue
“Find It” is one of my favourite tools for excited dogs.
Before opening the door, toss a handful of treats on the floor and encourage your dog to sniff them out.
Sniffing naturally helps many dogs relax while also keeping all four paws on the ground.
It also gives your guests a chance to come inside without immediately becoming the centre of attention.
Set Your Guests Up for Success
Your visitors play an important role in training.
Ask them to ignore your dog when they first arrive.
That means:
- No eye contact
- No talking to your dog
- No petting
- No pushing your dog away
Once your dog is calm, your guest can quietly greet them.
Don’t Let Your Dog Practise Jumping
Every successful jump makes the behaviour stronger.
If your dog jumps on five different people this week, they’ve had five opportunities to practise.
Management is training too.
Use baby gates, leashes, exercise pens, or a Find It cue while your dog is learning.
The less they rehearse jumping, the faster they’ll improve.
A Few Extra Tips
- Make sure everyone in the household follows the same plan.
- Exercise your dog appropriately before visitors arrive.
- Reward calm behaviour often—not just when guests come over.
- Be patient. Like any new skill, polite greetings take practice.
Final Thoughts
Jumping is a normal dog behaviour, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it forever.
By understanding why your dog jumps, teaching an alternative behaviour, and rewarding calm choices, you can help your dog greet people politely without punishment or frustration.
Remember, training isn’t just about stopping unwanted behaviours. It’s about teaching your dog what to do instead.
With patience, consistency, and plenty of reinforcement, calm greetings can become your dog’s new normal.