Jumping is a common and natural behavior for dogs, especially when they’re excited to greet people. While it might seem cute when your puppy jumps to say hello, this behavior can become problematic as they grow bigger and stronger. Not only can jumping be overwhelming for visitors, but it can also be unsafe, particularly around children or elderly individuals. The good news? With the right training techniques, you can teach your dog to greet people calmly and politely.
At Dogs We Trust Training and Boarding, we specialize in helping dogs of all ages and temperaments develop better manners, including learning to stop jumping on people. Here’s how you can start working on this behavior at home—and how our expert trainers can take it to the next level.
Why Do Dogs Jump?
Before diving into training solutions, it helps to understand why dogs jump in the first place. Dogs jump to greet people, often aiming to reach your face where they can engage directly. It's their way of seeking attention or showing excitement. While the behavior is natural, it's important to guide them toward a more appropriate way to say hello.
Steps to Train Your Dog to Stop Jumping
Ignore the Jumping One of the most effective ways to stop your dog from jumping is to remove the reward they are seeking—your attention. When your dog jumps on you, avoid reacting. No talking, no touching, and no eye contact. Simply turn away and stand still.
Consistency is Key: Make sure everyone in your household follows this rule. Mixed signals, where some people allow jumping and others don’t, will confuse your dog and slow their progress.
Reward Calm Behavior As soon as your dog stops jumping and has all four paws on the ground, reward them. You can give them a treat, verbal praise, or a quick pet—whatever motivates them most.
Timing Matters: Be sure to reward your dog the moment they are calm, so they learn that calm behavior gets them the attention they want.
Teach an Alternate Behavior If your dog tends to jump when greeting people, it’s helpful to teach them an alternative behavior. For example, you can train them to sit when someone enters the room.
Step-by-Step:
When a guest arrives, ask your dog to sit before they have the chance to jump.
Once they sit, reward them with a treat and allow your guest to greet them calmly.
Practice this regularly so your dog starts to associate sitting with positive attention.
Use a Leash for Control If your dog is very excitable or large, using a leash can help you maintain control during training. When a guest arrives, keep your dog on a leash and guide them into a sit or calm position. This allows you to manage their behavior without giving them the opportunity to jump.
Be Patient and Consistent Training takes time, especially if your dog has been jumping for a while. Stay consistent with the training and avoid giving in, even if it's tempting to let them jump when you’re in a good mood or with close friends.
Why Invest in Professional Training with Dogs We Trust
While it’s possible to teach your dog not to jump on people at home, professional training can make a world of difference. Here’s why working with Dogs We Trust Training and Boarding is an investment worth making:
Customized Training Plans Every dog is different, and we create personalized training plans that cater to your dog’s specific needs, personality, and behaviors. Whether your dog is a puppy or a bit older, we can tailor our approach to ensure success.
Faster, More Consistent Results Professional trainers know the most effective techniques to stop jumping and can often achieve faster results than at-home training alone. Plus, we provide guidance on how you can continue reinforcing good behavior long after the training sessions.
Addressing Root Causes Jumping is often a symptom of excitement, anxiety, or lack of impulse control. Our trainers not only address the jumping itself but also work on underlying behavioral issues, leading to a well-rounded and calmer dog.
Controlled Socialization During our training sessions, we help your dog practice greeting people in a controlled environment. This allows your dog to learn how to behave around guests or strangers without overwhelming stimuli.
Expert Guidance for the Whole Family We don’t just train dogs—we train people too! Our trainers will equip you and your family with the knowledge and techniques needed to maintain the progress at home, ensuring long-term success.
Ready to Stop the Jumping?
Jumping can be a frustrating behavior, but with patience, consistency, and the right training, your dog can learn to greet people calmly. At Dogs We Trust Training and Boarding, we’re passionate about helping dogs develop good manners, making your life easier and your dog happier.
If you’re ready to invest in professional training and see real results, reach out to us today. Whether you need private sessions or are interested in our group training classes, we’re here to help your dog become the polite, well-behaved companion you’ve always dreamed of.
Contact Us to learn more about our services and how we can help with all your dog training and boarding needs!
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