How To Stop Your Dog From Jumping Up

Why Do Dogs Jump Up on People?

Most of the time, when your dog jumps up, it’s simply their way of saying hello. Dogs naturally greet one another face to face, so when they meet us, they’re just trying to reach ours!

While it might feel cute and harmless, not everyone appreciates being greeted this way. A nervous guest might react suddenly, and even if your dog’s intentions are friendly, that startled reaction can make your pup anxious around people or, in some cases, lead to unwanted behaviors like aggression.

That’s why teaching your dog not to jump up is such an important habit to build. The good news? With kindness, consistency, and a little patience, it’s something every pup can learn.

How to Stop a Dog from Jumping Up

The key to dog training is understanding that dogs repeat behaviors that get them rewards. To a dog, any attention is a reward, including scolding, pushing them down, or even laughing. In fact, pushing can feel like a fun game to some dogs! That’s why ignoring the behavior is more effective. Over time, they’ll learn that jumping doesn’t get them what they want.

But here’s the challenge: not everyone who meets your dog will know the “ignore the jump” rule. That’s why it’s better to teach your dog an alternative, positive behavior that works every time.

Step-by-Step Training Method

Here’s how to teach your dog to keep all four paws on the ground when greeting people:

1. Set up the scene
   Put your dog on a leash and ask a friend or family member to help.
   

2. Reward before the jump
   As your helper approaches, toss a few tasty treats on the ground before your dog has a chance to leap up.
   

3. Pair greeting with calmness
   While your pup is eating, your helper can calmly greet, praise, or pet them. Before the treats are gone, have your helper step away.
   

4. Repeat and build
   Practice several times. Once your dog gets the hang of it, gradually let the greetings last longer while you continue rewarding them for staying down.
   

5. Test their progress
   If your dog keeps all paws on the floor, reward them after the greeting. If they jump, your helper should turn away and stop giving attention. Then rewind and try again.
   

6. Fade out treats
   Over time, reduce the number of treats. Your dog will learn that calm greetings bring praise, pets, and attention—while jumping gets them nothing.
   

Training Tips to Remember

• Keep sessions short: 10-minute bursts a few times a day work best.
  

• Be consistent: Make sure everyone in your household follows the same rules.
  

• Stay positive: Never punish a dog for getting it wrong. Punishment only creates fear it doesn’t teach.
  

• Practice regularly: Repetition helps your pup embed the behavior until it becomes second nature.
  

A Final Thought

Jumping up is your dog’s way of showing love and excitement. By teaching them a calmer way to greet, you’re not taking that joy away; you’re simply helping them share it in a way that’s safe and welcome for everyone they meet.