Jumping is one of the most common greeting behaviors in dogs, especially in young, excitable, or undertrained pups. It’s not defiance—it’s enthusiasm. Dogs jump to say “Hi! Notice me!” But while it may seem harmless, it can be frustrating or even dangerous, especially with large dogs or small children.

Dogs jump for several reasons: they’re excited, overstimulated, or they’ve learned that jumping gets attention. Even pushing them down or saying “no” can reinforce the behavior because it still counts as engagement. The key to stopping it is to stop rewarding it. That means no eye contact, no petting, no talking—just calmly turning away or stepping back the moment their paws leave the floor.

Instead, reward the behavior you do want. As soon as all four paws are on the ground, offer calm praise or a treat. You can even teach a default “sit to greet” and reward that consistently. Practice with family, friends, and volunteers so your dog learns the same rules apply with everyone.

When you walk in the door, stay calm. If you make a big deal out of your return, your dog will too. Quiet entrances, no talking, and waiting to engage until they’ve settled can go a long way. Tools like leashes, baby gates, or tethers are also helpful during training. They allow you to manage greetings safely while setting your dog up for success. Remind visitors to ignore your dog until they’re calm.

Teaching cues like “off” or “wait” can help, but only if paired with positive reinforcement and repetition. Always reward calm behavior and be consistent. What you allow one day and correct the next will just confuse your dog.

Avoid yelling or physically pushing them down—many dogs interpret this as play. And don’t assume they’ll grow out of it. They need guidance and practice to build new habits.

For hounds or high-energy breeds, jumping is often more intense during greetings or when they’re under-stimulated. Add extra enrichment like scent games, puzzle feeders, or structured walks to help meet their needs. Short, daily practice sessions with mock greetings can also help build muscle memory for calm hellos.

Jumping is a behavior, not a personality trait. With consistency, clear boundaries, and positive reinforcement, your dog can learn to greet people in a calm, polite way that makes everyone feel welcome.