Dogs have a natural instinct to jump on people, and it’s often a way for them to greet and express excitement. However, it can be problematic and even dangerous if not controlled. In this post, we’ll explore why dogs jump and provide tips on how to stop this behavior.

Why Do Dogs Jump on People?

Excitement and Greeting: Dogs jump on people to express excitement, happiness, and affection. This behavior is often seen when they’re greeting their owners or visitors, and they want to show how much they love and miss them.

Attention Seeking: Sometimes, dogs jump on people to get attention. If a dog is feeling neglected or bored, they may jump on people to get some playtime or affection.

Overstimulation: Some dogs get overly excited, and jumping on people is their way of releasing that energy. This behavior can be triggered by different stimuli, such as the arrival of guests, the sound of the doorbell, or even the sound of their own barking.

How to Stop Dogs from Jumping on People

Check out our how-to blog post to learn more in-depth method to train your dog to stop jumping on you!

Communication: The key to stopping dogs from jumping on people is clear and consistent communication. This means using the same commands every time your dog jumps, and rewarding them for good behavior.

Consistency: Consistency is key in training dogs. If jumping on people is not acceptable behavior, everyone who interacts with the dog must communicate this consistently.

Redirect behavior: Instead of punishing or scolding your dog when they jump, try redirecting their behavior. Teach them to sit, lie down, or do a trick when greeting people. This will give them a positive way to greet others, and also tire them out.

Provide an alternative: Provide an alternative behavior for your dog to do when they want to greet someone. For example, you can teach them to “touch” your hand with their nose instead of jumping.

Avoid encouragement: Avoid encouraging jumping behavior, even if it seems cute or harmless. This can include petting or talking to the dog while they are jumping, or even acknowledging the behavior with a smile or eye contact.

In conclusion, jumping on people is a natural behavior for dogs, but it’s important to teach them that it’s not acceptable. Communication and consistency are key, along with redirecting their behavior and providing alternative ways for them to greet people. With patience and persistence, you can help your dog stop jumping on people and become a well-behaved companion.