My Dog Jumps on Everyone – How to Train Better Greetings

You open the door and—WHAM! Your dog launches like a rocket, paws first, onto your chest. Or worse, onto your unsuspecting guests. Sound familiar?

While a jumping dog may just be excited and friendly, it can be overwhelming, messy, or even dangerous—especially with kids, elderly people, or larger breeds. But don’t worry: this behavior is very common and very fixable with the right approach.

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🐕 Why Dogs Jump on People

Dogs often jump up to:

• Seek attention or affection

• Greet you face-to-face

• Release pent-up excitement

• Mimic play behavior from puppyhood

In short: it’s learned behavior—because it works. When a dog jumps, and someone reacts (even with “No!”), they’re getting a response. That reinforces the habit.

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🚫 Why Punishment Doesn’t Work

• Yelling = attention (which they want)

• Pushing them away = physical contact (rewarding)

• Kneeing or leash jerking = confusing or harmful

Instead, you want to teach your dog: “Four paws on the ground = good things happen.”

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✅ How to Stop Jumping the Positive Way

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1. Ignore the Jump

When your dog jumps, don’t talk, don’t touch, don’t even look. Turn your back or step away. As soon as all paws are on the ground—reward!

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2. Teach a Competing Behavior

Train your dog to “sit” every time they greet someone. Sitting becomes their default greeting—because it gets them praise, pets, and attention.

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3. Practice with Friends or Family

Set up greeting sessions where your dog only gets attention when calm. If they jump, the person walks away. No reward = no reinforcement.

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4. Reinforce Calm Greetings at the Door

Use a leash if needed. Ask your dog to sit before anyone comes in. Reward calm behavior. Repeat this consistently.

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5. Be Consistent (With Everyone!)

It only takes one person to reward jumping for the habit to return. Make sure everyone who greets your dog follows the same rule: “Sit = pet. Jump = no attention.”

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🐾 Bonus Tips:

• Give them something to carry (like a toy) during greetings—this can help redirect excitement

• Don’t hype them up before or during greetings—stay calm and neutral

• Practice “greeting rituals” every day to make it second nature

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❤️ Final Thought

Jumping up is a natural behavior—but it can be gently unlearned. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, your dog will learn that good manners lead to more love—not less.

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#StopDogJumping #DogTrainingTips #PolitePup #PositiveReinforcement #HappyDogHappyGuests #DogGreetingManners #PetfunoCare #DogParentSupport