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Polite Greetings/Preventing Jumping


While it may seem cute when a puppy jumps up, it can quickly become a nuisance or even dangerous when the dog gets bigger. 


Why Do Dogs Jump?

  • They are excited to greet people.

  • They want attention.

  • They want to be closer to our faces.

  • It often works to get our attention! 

Dogs repeat behaviors that get them what they want. If jumping gets attention (even negative attention), they will continue to do it. The key to stopping jumping is to teach your dog that calm behavior gets attention, while jumping does not.


Steps to Prevent Jumping

Step 1: Manage the Environment

  • Use barriers like baby gates or leashes to prevent your dog from jumping when guests arrive.

  • Keep your dog in a separate room or crate initially if they get too excited during greetings.

  • Instruct others to not interact with your dog if you know a jump is going to happen.

Step 2: Ignore Jumping 

  • When your dog jumps, avoid eye contact.

  • Do not push them away or yell, as this is still giving them attention.

  • Wait until all four paws are on the ground before giving attention.

Step 3: Reward Calm Behavior

  • When your dog remains calm with all four paws on the ground, immediately reward them with treats, praise, and/or petting.

Step 4: Teach an Alternative Behavior

  • Sit Cue: Ask your dog to sit when they greet people. Only give attention when they remain seated.

  • “Touch” Cue: Redirect your dog’s energy by asking them to touch your hand instead of jumping.


Consistency Is Key

Stopping jumping requires consistency. Everyone in the household must follow the same rules:

  • No attention for jumping.

  • Immediate rewards for calm behavior.

If some people allow jumping and others don’t, the behavior will continue.


Teach Your Guests Proper Greetings

Dogs need consistency from everyone they meet. Here’s how to teach your guests:

  • Ask guests to ignore your dog if they jump, or prevent it from happening.

  • Instruct guests to reward calm behavior with treats and attention.

  • Provide guests with treats so they can reward polite greetings.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Pushing the dog away: This can be seen as play or attention. 

  • Yelling at the dog: Negative attention can still reinforce the behavior. 

  • Allowing jumping sometimes: Inconsistency confuses the dog and slows progress.


Polite Greeting Tips

  • Practice at the door: Repeatedly practice calm greetings at the door.

  • Use leashes: When guests arrive, keep your dog on a leash for safety and management. 

  • Be patient: Behavior change takes time and consistency.


Resources:

How to Stop Attention Seeking Behavior- Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, DACVB

Jumping While Greeting- Whole Dog Journal

Training Dogs Not to Jump- FACT Academy

Creating Calm Greetings- Whole Dog Journal


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