Dogs are incredible creatures, full of energy and love. But every now and then, they get a little too excited and show that by jumping up on people. Fortunately, the behavior can be controlled using a quick technique that works easier than you’d ever expect. In this article, you’ll learn that plus learn why it’s happening in the first place. Let’s begin!

Why Dogs Jump on People + How to Stop

Seeking Attention

One of the primary reasons dogs jump on people is to get attention. Whether you’ve been away for five minutes or five hours, your furry pal is always excited to see you or others. Dogs have an innate desire to capture our attention, and jumping is often the quickest way for them to do so. Even if the person responds with a scolding or pushing them away, they still achieve their goal.

Excitement and Energy

Next up, a dog’s jumping can be fueled by sheer excitement and pent-up energy. Dogs are naturally energetic and social animals. When they see new people with their favorite humans, they can barely contain their joy, often leading to jumping. This exuberant greeting is more about their enthusiasm and less about any deliberate attempt to be naughty.

Greeting Behavior

In the wild, dogs greet each other face-to-face by sniffing muzzles. By jumping up on people, your dog is trying to get closer to their face to say hello in their own way. It’s a form of social interaction for them, though it might not be the most pleasant one for others.

How to Stop Dog Jumping on People in 5 Steps

This training plan will help stop your dog’s jumping behavior. Follow these steps to teach your dog a more appropriate way to greet people:

1. When you enter the room and your dog jumps, immediately turn your back and ignore them. Avoid making eye contact or speaking.
2. Wait for your dog to calm down and have all four paws on the ground, then turn around and reward this behavior with a treat and praise.
3. Teach your dog an alternative greeting behavior, such as sitting. Reward them each time they sit calmly when you enter the room.
4. Use consistent commands and signals, such as “Off” when they begin to jump, reinforcing this with calm and steady guidance.
5. Practice these techniques in different environments and with various people to ensure your dog generalizes the behavior.

These steps will help mitigate your dog’s jumping behavior, but it’s important to remember this behavior is often a sign of deeper issues such as anxiety, dominance, or untrained excitement.

And until those root issues are addressed directly, they’ll continue to cause you trouble in other areas.

“Okay, so how do I do that then?”

By developing your dog’s intelligence, that’s how! When they get the mental stimulation they desperately need in a loving, fun, and instructional way, all their behavioral problems start to disappear fast.

To make this happen, you’ll play 21 “brain” games created by Adrienne, a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer whose work has been featured in USA Today and Every Dog magazine. See her amazing results in this video with a dog named Maggie (scroll down).

Adrienne’s training games will end bad behavior while also teaching your dog to sit, lie down, stay, heel, drop, and walk calmly by your side. It’s simple, and it will be an absolute blast for you both. She explains exactly how her system works here, go take a look!

Addressing Root Causes

Anxiety

Anxiety can be a driving force behind many dog behaviors, including jumping. If your dog is anxious or nervous, they may jump to seek comfort and reassurance. Notice if your dog’s jumping occurs more often in stressful situations or environments, and be aware that addressing their anxiety could help reduce their jumping.

Lack of Training

Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the correct one. If a dog hasn’t been properly trained, they’re more likely to jump up on people. Regular training sessions and consistency in commands can significantly improve your dog’s behavior. Teaching your dog commands like “Sit” or “Stay” can create a clear expectation of appropriate behavior.

Boredom

Dogs require mental and physical stimulation. If they don’t get enough exercise or engage in interactive activities, they may resort to jumping as a way to release their pent-up energy and alleviate boredom. Providing enough playtime, exercise, and mental challenges can help minimize this behavior.

Communication and Consistency

Clear Commands

Dogs respond best to clear and concise commands. Make sure everyone in your household uses the same words and signals to address jumping. Mixed signals can confuse your furry pal and make training more difficult. Consistent use of terms like “Off” or “Sit” helps them understand what’s expected.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is key in encouraging good behavior. Rewarding your dog with treats or praise when they obey commands and avoid jumping reinforces their good conduct. Do not use negative reactions like yelling or pushing, as they can confuse your dog or even worsen the behavior.

Patience and Persistence

Training your dog takes time and dedication. Patience is essential when working with your furry friend. They won’t change their behavior overnight, but with persistent training and positive reinforcement, they will gradually learn to greet people appropriately. Celebrate small victories along the way to keep motivated.

FAQs

Is jumping up a sign of aggression in dogs?

No, jumping up is not typically a sign of aggression. Most dogs jump due to excitement, attention-seeking, or greeting behavior. However, if the jumping is paired with growling or other aggressive behaviors, consult your vet to rule out any underlying issues.

Can older dogs learn to stop jumping?

Absolutely, older dogs can learn new behaviors with the right training techniques. While it may take longer compared to younger dogs, patience and consistent training will yield positive results. Use positive reinforcement and keep training sessions short but frequent.

What do I do if my dog jumps on guests?

Inform your guests about your training efforts and ask for their cooperation. Have your dog on a leash when guests arrive, and use commands like “Sit” or “Stay.” Reward your dog for calm behavior and ensure your guests don’t inadvertently reward jumping by petting or engaging with your dog while they are jumping.

Conclusion

Jumping on people is a common but manageable behavior in dogs. Learning the reasons behind it and implementing this training plan can make a world of difference.

P.S. Don’t forget to pin this so you can refer back to the 5 steps!