Few things are more embarrassing than your dog leaping onto guests as soon as they walk through the door. You’ve tried to teach them not to, but here they go again—paws on shoulders, tail wagging like a helicopter. While the enthusiasm might be innocent, it can be overwhelming or even dangerous, especially for kids or elderly visitors.
Understanding why your dog jumps is the first step to changing the behavior. Let’s explore what might be going on and how you can gently but firmly help your dog greet guests more politely.
1. They’re Just Really Excited
Dogs often jump because they’re bursting with excitement. Guests bring new smells, energy, and attention, and your dog simply can’t contain themselves.
What to do: Practice calm greetings. Keep your dog on a leash when guests arrive and reward them for keeping all four paws on the floor.
2. It’s Worked Before
If a guest once laughed or gave your dog attention while they were jumping, your dog learned that jumping gets results.
What to do: Ask guests to turn away and avoid eye contact if your dog jumps. Only give attention when your dog is sitting or standing calmly.
3. They Want Face-to-Face Contact
Dogs are social creatures, and jumping brings them closer to your face. It’s their way of saying, “Hi! Notice me!”
What to do: Teach an alternate behavior like “sit” or “touch” (having them nose your hand) to redirect their energy.
4. Lack of Consistent Training
Inconsistency is one of the most common reasons behaviors stick around. If some people allow jumping and others scold it, your dog is getting mixed messages.
What to do: Be consistent. Make sure everyone in the house (and regular guests) follows the same rules about greetings.
5. They Think It’s a Game
Some dogs view jumping as play. If their jumping is met with laughter or even a little shove, it becomes part of the fun.
What to do: Keep your response low-key. Turn your back and walk away. Over time, your dog will learn that jumping leads to no fun at all.
6. They’re Anxious or Overstimulated
Not all jumping is excitement. Some dogs jump when they’re nervous or overstimulated, using movement as a coping strategy.
What to do: Try creating a quiet space for your dog when guests arrive, or work on desensitizing them to the doorbell and entrance rituals.
7. They’re Not Getting Enough Exercise
A bored or under-exercised dog has energy to burn—and that energy can come out in ways you’d rather it didn’t.
What to do: Make sure your dog gets plenty of physical and mental stimulation every day. A tired dog is much less likely to jump.
8. They Haven’t Learned a Better Greeting
Jumping might be their go-to behavior simply because they haven’t been taught what to do instead.
What to do: Train a “go to place” command, where your dog sits or lies on a mat when guests arrive. Reward them for staying there.
9. You’re Accidentally Reinforcing the Behavior
Without realizing it, you may be encouraging jumping—maybe by pushing them down, talking to them excitedly, or petting them while they’re up.
What to do: Pause and evaluate your reactions. Even negative attention can be rewarding to a dog who’s craving interaction.
10. They’re Still Learning
Sometimes, it just takes time. Puppies and young dogs especially need repetition and patience to unlearn ingrained habits.
What to do: Stick with it. Celebrate small wins, and don’t give up. Training takes time, but consistency and love go a long way.
Changing jumping behavior doesn’t require harsh corrections—it requires understanding, consistency, and a little strategy. The good news is, with a bit of effort and patience, you can help your dog develop calm, polite greetings that make everyone feel welcome.
