How to Stop Your Dog from Jumping Up at People

Understanding Why Dogs Jump Up

Jumping up at people is an inherited instinct for dogs, rooted in their natural behaviour in the wild where they greet returning pack members by licking faces. Since dogs cannot reach a person's face without jumping, puppies often learn that jumping up is the best way to seek attention from their owners or guests. Initially, this behaviour may seem adorable, but as the puppy grows into a full-sized dog, the habit can become problematic and unwanted. It is important to recognise that many people dislike being jumped on, and consistent training is required to correct this behaviour with kindness and patience.

Step 1: Prevent Encouragement of Jumping

When your dog runs to greet you, do not encourage jumping by making a fuss. Instead, try to get your dog to sit. If the dog fails to sit, turn your back and ignore the behaviour until the excitement dissipates. The moment your dog’s bottom touches the floor, praise calmly with words like "good boy" or "good girl". Avoid physical contact at this stage, as giving attention by touching can reinforce jumping. This teaches your dog that calm behaviour, not jumping, earns your attention.

Step 2: Teach a Compatible Alternative Behaviour

Training your dog to sit when greeting people is a reliable way to replace jumping. Sitting and jumping cannot occur simultaneously, so encouraging sitting helps the dog understand a polite greeting. When you approach others while out walking, ask your dog to sit as you get within 2-3 feet of the person. Praise immediately once your dog sits and ask them to remain calm while you interact with the visitor. If your dog tries to jump, calmly move away to reinforce that jumping ends the social interaction. Rewarding calm sitting with verbal praise and treats will motivate your dog to repeat the behaviour.

Step 3: Consistency and Involvement of Others

Consistency is key to resolving jumping. Every person who interacts with your dog must follow the same rules: ignoring jumping and only giving attention when the dog is calm and sitting. This prevents mixed signals and accelerates learning. Inform guests and family members in advance about how to respond to jumping. Over time, your dog will realise that jumping behaviour no longer gains the attention or rewards they desire.

Step 4: Avoid Physical Corrections

Physical attempts to stop jumping, such as pushing your dog’s body down or raising a knee, tend to be counterproductive. Dogs may see this as play or a challenge and jump at your side instead. Pushing the dog away gives it the attention it wants and may reinforce the wrong behaviour. Instead, use turning your back and ignoring to communicate that jumping results in no reward. Positive reinforcement of calm sitting is far more effective and fosters a trusting relationship between you and your dog.

Step 5: Encourage and Reward Calm Behaviour Spontaneously

Whenever your dog sits calmly without command, use this opportunity to reward it with praise or a treat. This helps the dog learn that relaxing and sitting calmly is the best way to earn attention. Over time, it will become motivated to remain calm both at home and in public.

Next Steps and Long-Term Success

Training requires patience and repetition. Always praise calm behaviour promptly and maintain consistent expectations across all family members. Be mindful not to reward jumping at any point, even accidentally. With kindness and persistence, your dog will learn polite greeting manners that make social situations enjoyable for everyone involved.

For those looking to start training a new dog or puppy, consider finding a puppy for sale from reputable breeders who can also provide early socialisation guidance and support responsible ownership.