How to Stop Your Dog from Jumping Up
Is your dog jumping on you, your guests, or strangers? You're not alone. Jumping is one of the most common behaviours dog owners struggle with. It can be frustrating, messy, and even dangerous especially around kids, older people, or in public.
The good news is you don’t need to yell or punish your dog to stop the jumping. With calm, consistent training and a simple cue like sit, you can teach your dog how to greet people politely.
Let’s walk through how and why dogs jump—and how to help them make better choices.
Why Dogs Jump
Jumping is normal dog behaviour. They often do it because:
They’re excited to see you or someone new
They want your attention
As puppies, they jump to reach faces.
We sometimes accidentally reward it (by touching, talking, or laughing)
From your dog’s point of view, jumping works because it usually gets them something they want.
Why We Want to Stop It
While jumping may seem cute at first, it can quickly become a problem:
It can knock over kids or elderly people
It can scare people who don’t like dogs
It makes outings and greetings more stressful
It sends the wrong message about manners
A jumping dog might be happy but a calm dog is easier and safer to live with.
Why We Don't Use Punishment
Some people still suggest things like pushing the dog away, saying "no" loudly, or even kneeing the dog in the chest. These methods can confuse or scare your dog. They also don’t teach your dog what you want them to do instead.
Punishment can lead to:
Fear or anxiety around people
Avoidance instead of calm greetings
More jumping when punishment isn’t used
Force-free training works better and builds trust.
What to Do Instead
We want to teach your dog that calm behaviour leads to attention, and jumping gets them nothing.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Teach Sit
Start by practising sit in a calm environment.
Use a treat to lure your dog into a sitting position.
Say “yes” (or click if you're using a clicker) and reward them.
Repeat this until your dog can sit reliably when asked.
Now, you’re ready to use it during greetings.
Step 2: Ignore Jumping
When your dog jumps on you or someone else:
Don’t talk
Don’t touch
Don’t make eye contact
Turn your body slightly to the side or step back. Wait. As soon as your dog has all four paws on the ground, reward or ask for a sit.
The message is clear: jumping gets nothing, but sitting gets rewards.
Step 3: Reward the Sit Every Time
The second your dog sits—whether you asked for it or not—praise them calmly and give a small treat or gentle pat.
This shows your dog that sitting is the fastest way to get your attention.
Step 4: Set Up for Success
Dogs do better when we help them get it right.
Here are a few ways to make things easier:
Keep a container of treats near the front door
Let visitors know you’re training and ask them to ignore jumping
Use a leash when guests arrive to prevent excitement from building too fast
Practise sit before opening the door
Greet your dog calmly when you get home (no big voice or high energy)
What If My Dog Is Too Excited to Sit?
That’s okay. Excitement is a big feeling.
Here’s what you can do:
Stay quiet and still
Wait until your dog settles (even for one second)
Reward calm moments
Practise greetings during calmer parts of the day
Slowly make the practice more exciting
Over time, your dog will learn that staying grounded is the best way to get your attention.
Be Consistent
The key to success is making sure the same rules apply every time.
Everyone in your home must follow the same plan
Don't let your dog jump sometimes and stop it other times
Keep rewarding sits and calm greetings often
Dogs learn through repetition. The more your dog gets it right, the stronger the habit becomes.