Help! My Dog Won’t Stop Jumping on People (And How to Fix It Kindly)
You open the door to greet a guest, and before you can say “hello,” your dog launches themselves at them like a furry missile of excitement. Sound familiar? If your dog loves jumping on people, you’re definitely not alone—and don’t worry, your pup isn’t being rude or naughty on purpose.
Why Dogs Jump
Jumping is usually a friendly behaviour. Dogs jump up because they’re excited, they want attention, or they’ve learned that jumping gets a reaction (even if it’s a frustrated one). To your dog, jumping is just their way of saying, “I’m so happy to see you!” Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates muddy paw prints on their clothes.
Tips to Stop the Jumping
Ignore the Jump, Reward the Calm
As hard as it is, turn away and avoid eye contact when your dog jumps, act disinterested. The moment all four paws are on the floor, reward them with praise or a treat on the floor. This teaches them that calm behaviour gets attention—not jumping. You can even mark the moment they are on the floor with a “YES” before giving them a treat
Teach a New “Greetings” Rule
Ask your dog to sit before anyone pets them, or touch cue before their get attention. Consistency is key here.
Practice with Friends
Recruit patient friends or family members to help you practice calm greetings. Repetition helps your dog understand what’s expected.
Burn Off Extra Energy
A dog with pent-up energy is more likely to jump. Walks, playtime, and mental games can work wonders.
What Not to Do
Don’t Yell or Push Your Dog Away: Even negative attention can feel like a reward to an excited dog. Yelling or pushing may also make them anxious or more jumpy.
Don’t Be Inconsistent: Letting your dog jump sometimes but not others sends mixed signals. Everyone in the household should follow the same rules (at least until they learn not to jump as a default)
Don’t Punish After the Fact: If you scold your dog seconds after they jump, they won’t understand why. Dogs learn best in the moment.
Stopping jumping isn’t about punishment—it’s about teaching better manners with patience and love. With consistency, positive reinforcement, and a little humour, your dog will learn to greet people politely. And one day, you’ll open the door to a calm, wagging tail instead of a flying furball.
