How to Train a Dog Not to Jump on People

Effective Training & Management Tips from a Professional Dog Trainer

Dogs jump for many reasons—attention, excitement, or simply not knowing what else to do when they greet a person. While it might seem harmless when your fuzzy puppy bounces up to say hello, that same behavior can become a nuisance (and even dangerous) as they grow.

If your dog jumps on you as if they have springs for paws, here’s the truth: we humans often create the problem. We allow it, we encourage it, and we sometimes even reward it without realizing. But that adorable puppy pounce can quickly turn into scratches, bruises, or—worse—a child or frail adult being knocked over, if you are not careful.

The good news? You can train your dog to greet politely. The solution is a combination of behavior management (preventing the jump before it happens) and manners training (teaching a dog a more polite alternative).

Step 1: Manage the Situation

Before your dog learns how to greet politely, you’ll need to prevent opportunities for jumping. Management keeps bad habits from being reinforced while you train.

For example, if your dog tends to jump on visitors:

• Place them in a crate or playpen before the guest arrives.

• Confine them in another room with a walk-through gate until they’ve calmed down.

• Keep them on a leash and ask for a “sit” while the guest enters. Reward calm behavior immediately.

By preventing jumping during greetings, you’re setting your dog up for success and making training much faster.

Step 2: Train Your Dog to Greet Politely

Dogs repeat behaviors that get results. If jumping earns attention—even negative attention like “No!” or being pushed away—it will continue. To stop your dog from jumping on people, remove the reward for jumping and make calm, polite greetings the most rewarding choice.

Here’s how:

• Ignore the jump: The moment your dog jumps, turn your back and avoid eye contact, touch, or talking. Wait until all four paws are firmly on the floor.

• Reward calm greetings: As soon as your dog is sitting or standing politely, mark the behavior with praise and reward with a treat.

• Teach an incompatible behavior: Train your dog to “sit” as their default greeting. A dog can’t sit and jump at the same time, which makes it a perfect replacement behavior.

• Be consistent: Everyone in the household—and all visitors—must follow the same rules. If jumping is allowed sometimes but not others, your dog will become confused, and the behavior will take longer to change.

With practice, your dog will learn that sitting or standing calmly is the fastest way to get the attention they want.

👉 Pro tip: Keep treats in your pocket or within easy reach so you can reward polite greetings the moment they happen. Quick timing helps your dog understand exactly which behavior you like.

Training for Specific Jumping Scenarios

1. Dog Jumps on Other People

• Enlist a friend your dog enjoys seeing.

• Ask your dog to “sit.”

• Have the greeter approach.

• If your dog stands, the greeter immediately turns and walks away.

• Repeat until your dog stays seated as the greeter comes near.

• Once they remain seated, the greeter can offer a treat and pet them.

When on walks:

• Step on the leash to prevent your dog from being able to jump up.

• Politely tell people, “Please wait until my dog is sitting before you greet them.”

• Hand them a treat to give your dog when they remain seated.

Even if someone says, “I don’t mind if they jump,” you should mind—training requires 100% consistency.

👉 Pro tip: Use a treat pouch for taking treats on the go to make rewarding your dog quick and easy.

2. Dog Jumps on You When You Come Home

• Keep greetings calm and low-key.

• If your dog jumps, turn away or even walk back out the door without speaking.

• Try again—yes, this may take several repetitions, but it works.

• Reward your dog only when all four feet are on the ground or they are sitting.

👉 Pro tip: Keep treats in your pocket or within easy reach to make rewarding your dog quick and easy.

3. Dog Jumps on You When You’re Sitting

• If they jump up, stand up immediately without speaking.

• Avoid pushing or touching them—this can be reinforcing.

• Only give your attention back when all four paws are back on the floor or your dog is sitting beside you.

Key Dog Training Takeaways

• Prevent your dog from practicing jumping while they learn a better way to greet.

• Reward calm, polite greetings consistently.

• Teach a clear, incompatible behavior—like “sit”—that becomes their default.

• Be patient and consistent; even persistent jumpers can learn with the right approach.

With time and consistency, your dog will learn that keeping four paws on the floor is the fastest way to get your attention. The result: a calmer, safer, and more polite greeting for everyone they meet!

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About the Author: Certified Dog Trainer Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA

Alexandra Bassett is the owner, lead dog trainer, and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy, a positive dog training company that specializes in game-based training methods and resolving common problem dog behaviors—including separation anxiety, leash reactivity, excessive barking, and aggression. Alexandra is certified as Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) by the Council of Professional Dog Trainers, ensuring expert and science-backed guidance for every client.

Based in Los Angeles, Alexandra offers effective and engaging online dog training sessions on Zoom, making it easy for dog owners everywhere to access her expertise. If you’re seeking professional help for your dog’s behavior challenges or just want to strengthen your bond using positive reinforcement techniques, contact Alexandra at Dog Savvy today.