How to Stop a Dog From Jumping on People

Why dogs jump up

Dogs jump up mainly to greet people and get attention, and many learned as puppies that jumping got them petted and picked up. Faces are where greetings happen in the dog world, so jumping is a way to get closer to yours.

Every time a person talks to, pets or even pushes a jumping dog, the jump is rewarded with attention, so it carries on. It is especially risky with large dogs, which can knock over children or older people, and small dogs can scratch legs and ruin clothes.

Step 1: Stop rewarding the jump

When your dog jumps, calmly turn away, fold your arms and say nothing. Do not push it down, shout or knee it, because those are attention too and can frighten or hurt your dog. The moment all four paws are on the floor, turn back and greet it calmly.

If your dog jumps again as soon as you greet it, turn away again. Keep greetings low-key at first, since a very excited greeting makes jumping more likely. Expect the jumping to get worse briefly before it improves, as your dog tries harder.

Step 2: Teach a polite greeting

Pick an alternative your dog cannot do while jumping: sitting, or simply standing with four paws on the floor. Practice sit away from greetings first, then ask for it just before you greet your dog, rewarding with attention and a treat.

For four on the floor, toss a few training treats on the ground as you approach your dog or as a guest arrives. A dog searching the floor for food cannot jump at the same time, and it learns that greetings happen down low. Fade the treats as the habit forms.

Step 3: Managing visitors

While you train, use management so your dog cannot practice jumping on guests. Put your dog on a leash, behind a baby gate or in another room with a chew when people arrive, and bring it out once the excitement has settled.

Teach a go-to-your-mat cue for the doorbell, rewarding your dog for staying on the mat while you open the door. Ask guests to ignore your dog until it is calm, then greet it at its level only when its feet are on the floor.

Get everyone on the same page

Consistency is the whole game. If you turn away but a family member or friend pets your dog when it jumps, your dog learns that jumping still works sometimes, which makes it even more persistent. Explain the rule to everyone, including children and regular visitors.

Burn off energy with walks and play before busy times, such as when guests are due, so your dog is calmer. If your dog's jumping comes with mouthing, growling or fear, work with a positive-reinforcement trainer. For the short practice sessions in between, browse our dog training supplies and treat pouches.

Jumping in puppies and older dogs

Start teaching puppies early, before jumping becomes a habit, by crouching to greet them and rewarding them for having four paws on the floor. It is much easier to prevent than to undo.

For older dogs, especially large or heavy breeds, jumping can strain the joints. If a dog that used to jump stops or hesitates, or a senior dog struggles to get up, ask your vet to check for joint or back pain.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.