Does your dog greet guests by leaping up with excitement? While their enthusiasm is adorable, jumping can become a safety issue—especially for kids, seniors, or anyone carrying coffee!

At Bauser’s Pet Training, we know that dogs jump to say hello, seek attention, or release energy. The good news? With consistency and a few smart strategies, you can teach your pup to keep all four paws on the floor.

Why Dogs Jump

Jumping is a natural behavior—especially for puppies. In the wild, young dogs lick the faces of adult dogs as a greeting. That instinct carries over into our homes, where your dog may think jumping up to your face is the best way to say, “Hi! I missed you!”

What Not to Do

• Don’t yell or push your dog down.
  Pushing can feel like play or attention, which may encourage more jumping.
• Don’t knee your dog in the chest.
  It’s outdated and can create fear or injury.
• Don’t give attention when they jump.
  Even saying “No!” can feel like a reward if your dog was seeking attention.

What to Do Instead

1. Ignore the Jumping

When your dog jumps, turn away and avoid eye contact or speaking. Stand still and calm like a tree.

2. Reward Calm Behavior

As soon as your dog has all four paws on the floor—even for a moment—praise and treat them. Timing is key!

3. Teach an Incompatible Behavior

Train a simple cue like “Sit” or “Touch” (targeting your hand with their nose) and reward it consistently during greetings. They can’t jump and sit at the same time!

4. Practice with Guests

Set up practice sessions with family or friends. Have them enter, and follow the same calm rules. Reward your dog only when they remain grounded.

5. Use Management Tools

Before your dog masters polite greetings, consider:

• Keeping them on a leash when guests arrive
• Using a baby gate or crate to manage entrances
• Asking guests to ignore your dog until calm

Need Help? We’re Here for You.

Jumping can be a tough habit to break, especially if it's been going on for a while. But you’re not alone!

At Bauser’s Pet Training, we offer positive, effective training solutions tailored to your dog’s needs. If your pup needs help with jumping—or other manners—we’d love to help.

Call us at (305) 454-0420 or

Visit BausersPetTraining.com to get started today.

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