7-Day Plan: Stop Your Dog Jumping on Guests
Jumping is a greeting. Your dog wants to reach faces. Instead of stopping the greeting, we'll teach a better one.
Why it happens
- Dogs greet face to face, and our faces are up high.
- Any attention, even pushing away or saying 'no', can reward jumping.
- Guests often encourage it without meaning to.
What you need
- Small treats
- A leash or baby gate for visits
- A helper (family member or friend)
The 7-day plan
One short session a day. Stop while your dog is still enjoying it.
1
Treats at floor level · 5 min
- When your dog comes to you, drop a treat on the floor before they can jump.
- Repeat many times through the day.
- Your dog learns that paws on the floor pays.
2
Mark 'four on the floor' · 5 min
- Stand still. The moment all four paws are down, say 'yes' and drop a treat.
- If your dog jumps, turn away calmly and wait.
- Reward as soon as they land.
3
Practise arrivals · 5 min
- Step outside and come back in. Greet only when paws are down.
- Keep your greeting calm and low.
- Repeat 5-6 times.
4
Add a helper · 7 min
- A family member approaches. If your dog jumps, the helper turns and walks away.
- If paws stay down, the helper greets and you reward.
- Dogs learn quickly who to jump on, so practise with several people.
5
Add a sit (optional) · 7 min
- Ask for a sit as people approach, rewarding generously.
- Sit is harder to jump from than standing.
- Keep the approach slow.
6
The doorbell routine · 10 min
- Use a leash or baby gate for the first minute a guest arrives.
- Reward calm, and let the guest greet only when paws are down.
- Release the leash once your dog settles.
7
A real visit · 10 min
- Brief a friend on the rules before they arrive.
- Reward calm greetings throughout the visit.
- Celebrate progress: fewer jumps counts.
Troubleshooting
Turning away doesn't work.
Make sure there's something great for staying down (treats on the floor). Removing attention only works if good behaviour gets rewarded.
Guests keep encouraging it.
Keep your dog on a leash or behind a gate for the first minutes and ask guests to greet only when paws are down.
My dog jumps and nips.
That's usually over-excitement. Keep greetings shorter and calmer, and see our puppy nipping plan.
When to get help
If jumping comes with growling, stiff body language or nipping that hurts, get help from a certified trainer or veterinary behaviourist.