- Why Do Dogs Jump on Guests?
- Training Tips to Stop the Jumping
- What to Do When Guests Arrive
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Consistency is Key
- Need Extra Help?
Is your dog a little too excited when visitors arrive? While a wagging tail is adorable, a jumping pup can be overwhelming for guests – and even dangerous for small children or older adults. Luckily, with a bit of consistency and the right techniques, you can teach your dog better manners.
In this article, we’ll show you how to stop your dog from jumping on guests with simple, reward-based training tips that work.
Why Do Dogs Jump on Guests?
Jumping is often your dog’s way of saying “Hi, I’m so happy you’re here!” In the canine world, dogs greet each other face to face, so it’s natural for them to try to reach a person’s face too. But what feels natural to your pup can be stressful or uncomfortable for your guests.
Dogs may jump for several reasons:
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Excitement – Visitors mean attention!
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Attention-seeking – Jumping gets a reaction, even if it’s negative.
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Lack of training – If not corrected early, it becomes a habit.
Training Tips to Stop the Jumping
Here’s how to train your dog to greet guests politely:
1. Teach the “Sit” Command
A sitting dog can’t jump! Reinforce calm behaviour by:
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Practising “sit” every day.
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Rewarding your dog with a treat or praise only when all four paws are on the floor.
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2. Ignore the Jumping
Dogs jump because it gets attention. If you:
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Turn your back,
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Avoid eye contact,
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Say nothing and stay calm…
Your dog learns that jumping doesn’t get the response they want.
3. Reward Calm Greetings
As soon as your dog greets someone with paws on the ground:
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Praise them warmly (“Good dog!”)
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Give a treat or a gentle pat.
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You’re reinforcing the right behaviour.
What to Do When Guests Arrive
Training in everyday life is key. Here’s what to do when someone’s at the door:
Step-by-Step Plan:
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Ask your dog to “sit” before opening the door.
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Keep a leash on, especially during early training.
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Tell your guests to ignore your dog if they jump.
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Praise or treat your dog when they stay seated.
Pro tip: Practise with a friend pretending to be a guest until your dog gets the hang of it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common missteps:
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Pushing your dog away – they may think it’s a game.
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Yelling or shouting – this can excite your dog even more.
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Inconsistent rules – if one person allows jumping and another doesn’t, your dog gets confused.
Consistency is Key
All dogs can learn not to jump, but it takes time and consistency. Make sure everyone in your household and your regular visitors follow the same rules.
It helps to:
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Practise daily, not just when guests visit.
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Use the same cues and rewards every time.
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Stay patient – progress may be slow at first, but it pays off!
Need Extra Help?
If your dog’s jumping continues despite training, consider:
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Enrolling in a positive reinforcement training class.
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Speaking to a certified dog behaviourist.
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Using tools like the Pets24 Pet Training Directory to find local professionals.
Jumping is a normal dog behaviour, but with the right training and consistency, your pup can learn to greet guests with calm, friendly manners. Start small, practise regularly, and don’t forget to reward good behaviour. Your guests (and your dog!) will thank you.</p
