How to Stop Your Dog from Jumping on People

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It’s natural for dogs to get excited when meeting new people or when their favorite humans come home. However, jumping up on guests or strangers can quickly become a nuisance—and even a safety concern. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, teaching them how to greet people politely is essential, especially in a busy city like Los Angeles where your dog may encounter guests frequently or meet people while out on walks.

In this blog, we’ll show you the most effective strategies to stop your dog from jumping on people and how to train them to greet guests with calm, polite behavior.

Why Dogs Jump

Dogs often jump on people as a way to seek attention or to greet people face-to-face. While this might seem cute as a puppy, it can become problematic when the dog grows larger or when they get overly excited in social situations. Without proper training, dogs may think jumping is the best way to greet humans, and if reinforced, it becomes a habit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Stop Jumping on People

  1. Teach the “Sit” Command as an Alternative The most effective way to stop jumping is to teach your dog an alternative behavior, such as sitting when they greet people. Here’s how to do it:
    • Every time your dog jumps, immediately give the “sit” command.
    • When your dog sits, reward them with praise and treats.
    • Over time, your dog will learn that sitting calmly results in attention, while jumping does not.
    For more foundational training tips, check out our blog on obedience training to reinforce basic commands like “sit” and “stay.”
  2. Ignore Jumping, Reward Calm Behavior Dogs jump because they’re seeking attention, and often, even negative attention (like pushing them off) can reinforce the behavior. Instead, when your dog jumps, completely ignore them—turn away and avoid eye contact. Once your dog stops jumping and calms down, reward them with attention, praise, or treats.If your dog tends to get overexcited easily, especially around guests, our blog on calming an overexcited dog offers additional strategies to keep their energy under control.
  3. Ask Guests to Participate Consistency is key in stopping your dog from jumping. Make sure all guests follow the same rules when they arrive at your home:
    • Ask guests to avoid giving attention until your dog is sitting or calm.
    • Instruct them to turn away if your dog jumps, and to only engage with the dog once they are sitting.
    Over time, your dog will associate calm behavior with receiving attention from guests.For more tips on managing your dog’s behavior when guests arrive, check out our blog on training your dog to behave when company comes over.
  4. Use a Leash to Control Jumping If your dog gets overly excited when guests arrive or when you’re out in public, keep them on a leash to maintain control. When your dog starts to jump, use the leash to gently pull them back and ask them to sit. Reward them once they sit and remain calm.For dogs that pull on the leash, our leash training blog offers advice on how to manage their behavior in public settings and around other people.
  5. Practice Consistently Practice makes perfect! The more you practice greeting guests or encountering new people, the better your dog will behave. Take your dog to dog-friendly parks or cafes in Los Angeles where they can encounter new people and practice calm greetings. Each successful greeting builds on the last, helping to reinforce polite behavior.If your dog struggles with socialization or meeting new people, our blog on socializing your dog offers additional tips on ensuring your dog remains calm and confident in new situations.

Common Jumping Challenges

  1. Overexcitement Some dogs are naturally more excitable, making it harder to manage their behavior when guests arrive or during walks. To help with overexcitement, focus on reinforcing calm behavior at home and rewarding your dog for staying relaxed when meeting new people.Our blog on calming an overexcited dog provides additional tips to help manage your dog’s energy during greetings and other interactions.
  2. Inconsistent Reinforcement One of the most common mistakes dog owners make is being inconsistent with the rules. If you allow your dog to jump on you but not on guests, or if some guests allow jumping while others don’t, your dog will be confused about what’s expected. Make sure everyone who interacts with your dog follows the same guidelines for behavior.
  3. Jumping on Walks If your dog jumps on people while out on walks, using a short leash and maintaining control is essential. Ask your dog to sit before they greet anyone on the street. Practicing proper leash manners can also prevent jumping in public.For more tips on managing behavior during walks, check out our leash training blog for guidance on keeping your dog focused and well-behaved when meeting new people.

Final Tips for Stopping Jumping

  • Be Consistent: Consistency is key to eliminating jumping behavior. Make sure everyone who interacts with your dog reinforces the same rules.
  • Reward Calmness: Always reward calm behavior with praise, treats, or attention. Your dog should learn that sitting calmly leads to positive outcomes.
  • Don’t Punish, Redirect: Avoid punishing your dog for jumping. Instead, redirect their energy toward a more appropriate behavior, like sitting or waiting patiently.

Internal Resources to Improve Greeting Behavior

Stopping jumping is an important part of creating a well-mannered dog, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. To help your dog be more polite and confident around guests and in public spaces, check out these related blogs from Tri Force K9:

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