Stop Your Dog Jumping on Visitors: 6 Steps That Work

Why Dogs Jump on People

Jumping is one of the most common — and frustrating — dog behaviours. But your dog isn't being "naughty." He's greeting you the way dogs greet each other: face to face, paws up, full of excitement.

The problem? Humans don't communicate that way. And when your 60-pound Labrador launches at Grandma, nobody's having a good time.

Step 1: Ignore the Jump

When your dog jumps, turn your body away. Cross your arms. Look at the ceiling. Give zero eye contact, zero words, zero touch.

This is harder than it sounds. Your instinct is to push him off or say "no!" — but to a dog, that's still attention. Any attention reinforces the behaviour.

Step 2: Reward Four Paws on the Floor

The moment all four paws are on the ground, mark it with a "yes!" and give a treat. Your dog learns: standing equals snacks, jumping equals nothing.

Be fast. The reward must come within 1-2 seconds of the desired behaviour.

Step 3: Teach Sit to Greet

Ask a friend to help. When they approach, cue your dog to sit before they arrive. If he holds the sit, your friend can pet him. If he breaks, your friend walks away.

After 5-10 repetitions, most dogs figure it out. They will start sitting automatically when people approach.

Step 4: Manage the Environment

• Keep a leash by the door for guest arrivals
• Ask guests to ignore your dog for the first 5 minutes
• Put your dog in a separate room with a chew toy if he gets overexcited

Step 5: Be Consistent Across All Family Members

If Mum ignores the jumping but Dad pushes the dog off, your dog gets mixed signals. Everyone in the household needs the same rule: jumping gets nothing.

Step 6: Practice in Different Settings

Once your dog is solid at home, practice at the park, at a friend house, and with strangers. Each new environment resets the training a bit — so start with easier asks and build up.

How Long Does It Take?

Most dogs show improvement within 2 weeks of daily practice. Stubborn cases (especially rescue dogs with established habits) may take 4-6 weeks. The key is consistency — one relaxed household member who allows jumping will undo everything.