How Do I Stop My Dog from Jumping on People?
Teach your dog better ways to greet people politely.
Why Dogs Jump on People
Dogs naturally try to engage with the people around them.
- Jumping is a normal way for dogs to seek attention and information.
- Excitement often makes jumping even more likely.
- Many dogs continue jumping because it has successfully earned attention in the past..
- Puppies especially use jumping to engage with people.
- Jumping usually reflects enthusiasm, not disobedience.
What Doesn't Help
Mixed messages make jumping harder to change.
- Giving attention while telling the dog to get down.
- Allowing jumping sometimes but correcting it other times.
- Expecting self-control before teaching it.
- Becoming frustrated when excitement takes over.
- Punishing enthusiasm instead of teaching a better greeting.
What Does Help
Good polite greetings can be taught.
- Reward the greeting you want.
- Practice calm greetings before exciting situations.
- Help your dog discover that four paws on the floor earn attention.
- Be consistent with family members and visitors.
- Remember that greeting politely is another form of self-control.
The Bigger Picture
Dogs enjoy greeting people. The goal isn't to stop that enthusiasm—it's to help your dog express it in ways that are safe and enjoyable for everyone.
How DogSchooling Approaches Greeting People
At DogSchooling in Columbia, Missouri, we don't teach dogs simply to stop jumping. We teach them what to do instead. As dogs learn attention, self-control, and calm greetings, they become more enjoyable companions at home and in public.
If you'd like help teaching those everyday skills, our Basic Dog Training (Level 1) classes will show you how to build them through clear communication, enjoyable practice, and teamwork.
To get started with us – Register for Basic Dog Training (Level 1) Questions? Contact Us.
About the Author
Ann Gafke has spent more than 50 years helping families understand why dogs behave as they do before teaching how to change those behaviors. As founder of DogSchooling in Columbia, Missouri, she has worked with thousands of puppies, family dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs, and dogs with reactive or aggressive behaviors.
Why Families Choose DogSchooling
- More than 50 years serving Mid-Missouri families
- Positive, reward-based training
- Weekly classes with private coaching included
- Video feedback between classes
- Puppy, family, therapy, service, and reactive dog programs
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