Puppies are full of energy and enthusiasm, and while their excitement is adorable, jumping up on people can quickly become a problem. Whether they’re greeting guests, asking for attention, or just overflowing with puppy joy, jumping can be both frustrating and potentially unsafe. The good news? Training a puppy not to jump up is simple with the right techniques that promote good behaviour and polite greetings.
Why Do Puppies Jump on People?
Before we dive into training tips, it helps to understand why your puppy is engaging in this behaviour. Dogs use body language and sniffing to greet each other rather than direct face-to-face contact, but since humans are much taller, jumping is their way of getting closer. Additionally, if jumping has been reinforced in the past—like when excited owners reward it with attention—it becomes a habit. Training a puppy not to jump up early on helps prevent excessive jumping and encourages calm greetings.
Training a Puppy Not to Jump Up: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Ignore the Jumping
Dogs thrive on attention, whether positive or negative. If your puppy jumps on you, turn your back, cross your arms, and avoid eye contact. No talking, no touching—just ignore. The moment all four paws hit the floor, reward with praise and attention. This teaches your puppy that jumping gets them nothing, but staying grounded gets them what they want. Consistently applying this technique is key when training a puppy not to jump up.
2. Teach the “Sit for Greetings” Rule
Instead of jumping, show your puppy the correct way to greet people by reinforcing a sit cue.
- Before greeting your puppy, ask them to sit.
- Reward them with treats and affection when they stay seated.
- If they jump, act like a celebrity ignoring the paparazzi—turn away, no eye contact, no reaction.
Once they realise their attention-seeking performance isn’t working, they’ll start to settle. Consistency is key—everyone in the household must follow this rule to avoid mixed signals.
3. Reward Calm Behaviour
Puppies often jump because they are bursting with energy. Reinforce calmness by rewarding relaxed behaviours, like sitting quietly or standing with all four paws on the ground. Keep treats handy and reward these moments frequently to encourage better habits. Positive reinforcement is essential when training a puppy not to jump up.
4. Lead Training for Controlled Greetings
If your puppy gets overly excited when meeting guests, using a lead can help manage the situation.
- Before opening the door, keep your puppy on a lead and have them sit.
- If they stay calm, they get to greet the guest.
- If they jump, walk them away and try again.
This teaches them that polite greetings lead to positive interactions. Training a puppy not to jump up using a lead provides control and prevents unwanted excitement.
5. Use the “Off” Cue
While ignoring unwanted behaviour works well, having a verbal cue can help.
- Use a firm but gentle “Off” cue whenever your puppy jumps.
- When they return to the ground, reward them with praise.
Over time, they’ll associate the word “Off” with keeping all four paws down. Teaching a puppy verbal cues strengthens their overall obedience training.
How to Stop Your Puppy from Jumping on Guests
Your guests need to be part of the training process too! Here’s how to set them up for success:
- Ask guests to completely ignore your puppy if they jump. No petting, no eye contact, nothing.
- If your puppy is particularly excitable, have them meet guests outside first to burn off energy.
- Keep treats near the entrance and instruct guests to reward your puppy only when they greet politely.
Puppy Obedience Training: Consistency is Key
Training a puppy not to jump up takes time, but with patience and consistency, they’ll learn that keeping all four paws on the ground is the best way to get attention. Stick with the training, ensure everyone follows the same rules, and soon your puppy will be a polite, well-mannered companion.
By following these puppy training tips, you’ll help your puppy develop good behaviour and prevent excessive jumping. With positive reinforcement and consistency, you’ll have a well-trained, obedient puppy that greets people politely.
Got a puppy who thinks they’re training for the high jump? Tell us your funniest training moments and success stories in the comments below!
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