Dog Training4 min read

How to Stop a Dog From Jumping on People (Family and Guests)

Jumping is a greeting that got rewarded. Teach four paws on the floor, a sit to say hello, a plan for guests at the door and a mat for arrivals.

Pupupp Training Team

Reward-based dog training guides · Updated Nov 2026

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Why it happens and what works

Dogs jump up to get closer to faces, and it has nearly always worked: someone looked, spoke, touched or pushed, and all of that counts as attention. So the plan has two halves. First, jumping stops earning anything. Second, your dog learns what does earn a greeting: four paws on the floor, and later a sit. The hard part is people, because one person who says “I don’t mind!” keeps the habit alive.

Stage 1: Four on the floor

Goal: Your dog learns that attention happens when all four paws are down. You need: treats in your pocket.

As your dog comes toward you, before they jump, drop a treat on the floor at your feet.
While their paws are on the floor, say “Yes!”, treat low, and greet them calmly.
If they jump, turn away, fold your arms and say nothing. The moment four paws land, mark and greet.
Practice coming in through the door 5 times in a row. It gets boring fast, which is the point.
Everyone does the same. One person who allows jumping keeps it alive.

Avoid

Pushing the dog off or saying “Down.” Hands and voices are attention.
Greeting in a high, excited voice.

Stage 2: Sit to say hello

Goal: Your dog sits when a person approaches. You need: treats, leash.

Do the “Sit” lesson first.
Walk up to your dog and ask for a sit before you reach them. Mark, treat and stroke them while they sit.
If their bottom comes up, stand up straight and take your hands away. Sit brings you back.
Add excitement slowly: walk up faster, use a happier voice, come in from outside.
Practice on leash with a helper approaching. The helper only comes closer while your dog is sitting.

Avoid

Asking for the sit after the jump. Ask early, while your dog can still think.

What comes after the first two stages

Those two stages are where everyone should start, and for a mild case they may be enough. Making it hold in real life takes more steps. In the Pupupp plan this topic continues with 8 more guided sessions, each with its own steps, voice guidance and a coach to ask when it goes wrong:

Guests at the door. Visitors can come in without being jumped on.
Go to your mat for arrivals. When people arrive, your dog goes to their mat and stays there.
When you come home. Your own arrival is calm, every time.
People on walks. Your dog keeps four paws down when a stranger says hello.
Jumping at children. Your dog greets children with paws on the floor, and an adult manages every meeting.
Paws off the counters. Your dog stays on the floor, or on their mat, while there’s food on the counter.
Up and off the furniture. Your dog gets on and off furniture when asked.
Parties, holidays and exciting days. A plan for the days when your training gets its hardest test.

How long it takes

With family, many dogs improve within one to two weeks if everyone follows the same rule. Guests take longer because they’re more exciting and less predictable. Set up a few practice visits with a friend before you expect it to hold with real visitors.

When to get help

If a large dog is knocking over children or older relatives, use a leash or baby gate at every arrival while you train. Management isn’t cheating; it stops the jump being practiced. This guide is general education, not veterinary or behavioral advice for your individual dog. For aggression, biting that breaks skin, severe fear or panic when alone, please see your vet or a qualified behaviorist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I knee my dog in the chest or push them off?

No. It can hurt, and to many dogs pushing is rough play, which rewards the jump. Turning away and saying nothing removes the reward, and paying four paws on the floor teaches the alternative.

Why does my dog only jump on guests, not on me?

Guests are more exciting, and they’re less consistent. Use a leash or gate, scatter treats on the floor as they come in, and ask them to wait for four paws before saying hello.

Does ignoring jumping work by itself?

It’s slow and frustrating unless you also reward what you want. Catch your dog before the jump, drop a treat at your feet, and greet them while their paws are down.

How do I stop my puppy jumping up at strangers on walks?

Ask people to wait until your puppy sits or has four paws down before they say hello, and step back if the puppy jumps. Most people are happy to help if you tell them you’re training.

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