How to Train a Dog to Stop Jumping on People
Dogs are naturally excited when they see people, especially when it’s someone they love. But if your dog is constantly jumping on guests or family members, it can be frustrating. Not only is it annoying, but it can also be unsafe, especially with larger dogs or elderly visitors.
Fortunately, you can train your dog to stop jumping on people with a little patience and consistency. Here are some simple steps to help your dog learn more appropriate greeting manners.
Why Do Dogs Jump
Before you start training, it’s helpful to understand why dogs jump. In most cases, it’s a sign of excitement or a way for your dog to get attention. Puppies and younger dogs tend to jump more, but older dogs can do it too if they haven’t been taught otherwise.
When dogs jump, they may be trying to greet you or your guests, get affection, or simply release some of that boundless energy. However, it can be annoying and can sometimes even lead to accidents.
Start with Basic Commands
The first step in training your dog to stop jumping is teaching them basic commands like “sit” or “down.” These commands help your dog understand what behavior you expect from them.
Begin by practicing “sit” and “stay” regularly. Once your dog can sit calmly, they are more likely to remain seated instead of jumping when guests arrive. It’s important to be consistent with these commands during daily training sessions.
Ignore the Jumping Behavior
When your dog jumps, avoid giving them attention. Dogs often jump because they know they’ll get a reaction—whether it’s positive or negative. If you give them attention, even by pushing them off, you’re reinforcing the jumping behavior.
Instead, turn away and completely ignore them. Wait until your dog has all four paws on the ground and then offer praise or a treat. Over time, your dog will associate keeping their paws on the ground with positive outcomes.
Reward Calm Behavior
When your dog greets you or others calmly, reward that behavior with praise or a small treat. This helps them understand that staying on the ground is what earns attention and rewards.
Make sure you are consistent in rewarding calm behavior and that your dog knows what earns them a treat. You can also try rewarding with a toy or affection, depending on what motivates your dog the most.
Redirect with a Command
If your dog starts to jump, redirect them to an alternative behavior. For example, ask your dog to sit or lie down. When they stop jumping and follow the command, reward them with praise or treats.
With consistency, your dog will learn that sitting calmly earns them what they want—attention, treats, and love—while jumping does not.
Practice with Friends and Family
It’s important to practice the training in different situations. Ask friends or family members to help by coming over and greeting your dog. Make sure to tell them to ignore your dog when it jumps and only offer attention when all four paws are on the ground.
By repeating this with different people and in different locations, your dog will learn to generalize the behavior and stop jumping on everyone.
Be Patient and Consistent
Training takes time, especially for behaviors like jumping. Remember, your dog is not misbehaving on purpose—they’re just excited and seeking attention. Be patient and consistent with your training, and don’t give up if your dog doesn’t learn immediately.
If needed, consider working with a professional trainer who can offer additional guidance and techniques specific to your dog’s needs.
With time, effort, and patience, your dog will learn to greet people calmly without jumping. The key is consistency and positive reinforcement. It’s all about teaching your dog what is expected of them and rewarding the behaviors you want to see more of.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice.