🙌 Jumping Up in Dogs: Vet-Endorsed Training for Polite Greetings in 2025 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Dogs that jump on people are often trying to be friendly—but enthusiasm can turn into a safety hazard. Whether your dog is muddy, strong, or just excitable, jumping up can lead to injury or frustration. This 2025 guide outlines a positive, vet-backed training plan to stop jumping and teach your dog calmer greeting habits. 🐕🎓

🤝 Why Dogs Jump

Jumping is a common attention-seeking behavior—especially reinforced during puppyhood. Dogs often jump to get closer to your face, hands, or affection. If they’ve ever been rewarded with petting, eye contact, or excited words, they’ll keep doing it. 🐶💬

Not Always Aggression

Jumping is usually not aggressive. Most dogs are simply overstimulated or under-trained in polite greetings. However, if your dog is reactive or fearful, consult your vet or behaviorist for support. 🧠

🧩 Step-by-Step: Teach Four on the Floor

1. 🎯 Teach Sit as the Default Behavior

• Start in low-distraction settings (e.g., your living room)
• Reward immediately while your dog is sitting, not after they get up
• Use praise, petting, or food rewards
• Gradually build up to more exciting environments

🧠 Sit must be rock-solid before guests are added to the picture. Repetition is key!

2. 👤 Create Calm Entrances

• Enter your home quietly without excitement
• Avoid eye contact and don’t greet the dog until all four paws are on the ground

3. 🚪 Manage Guest Greetings

• Use a leash, gate, or keep your dog in another room for the first 10–15 minutes
• This gives them time to settle before meeting visitors

4. 🙅‍♂️ Ignore Jumping, Reward Calm

• Turn your body away or walk out of the room
• Give affection only when your dog sits or stands calmly

❗ Never reward jumping—even with eye contact or laughter. Consistency from all family members is critical. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🧠 Training Tip: “Come Cuddle” Cue

Teach your dog a cue to greet people by approaching their knees instead of jumping:

1. Place your palms on your knees and say “come cuddle”
2. Let your dog approach your hands and offer petting
3. Practice with family, then friends

Soon, your dog will associate this cue with calm, polite greetings. 🐕❤️

🧒 What About Little Dogs?

Even small dogs can soil clothing or get hurt jumping. Plus, not everyone likes dogs jumping on them. Teach polite greetings to all dogs—regardless of size. 📏

⚙️ Tools That May Help

• 🦮 Head collars for added control
• 🚪 Baby gates or crates for guest arrivals
• 🎾 Toys to hold during greetings (some dogs redirect energy this way)

⚠️ What to Avoid

• 🚫 Kneeing your dog in the chest
• 🚫 Stepping on toes or physical corrections
• 🚫 Harsh scolding when they’re just excited

These methods can cause fear and even injury—and may reduce your dog’s trust in people. Choose reward-based methods that build confidence and calm. 🧘

📋 Sample Training Routine

• Start: Train “sit” in your house—3 reps a day
• Day 2–3: Add greetings on leash in the yard
• Day 4–7: Invite one friend over to practice polite greetings
• Week 2+: Visit calm public spaces and repeat

📝 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Jumping up isn’t bad manners—it’s often a sign of excitement and miscommunication. By focusing on positive reinforcement, calm greetings, and consistency, your dog can learn how to earn attention in safe, polite ways. Training calm greetings now prevents future injuries, improves social success, and helps your dog feel confident and connected. 🐶🙌

Need help teaching polite greetings or tackling excitement issues? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 to connect with behavior-savvy veterinary professionals. 🐕💬