“Down Boy!” How to stop your dog from jumping up

Why Dogs Jump Up: The Science and Sentiment

Dogs are social animals who greet one another face to face. As puppies, they often lick their mother’s mouth to encourage her to regurgitate food (delightful, right?). It’s instinctive behaviour tied to communication and bonding.

Now, fast forward to your adult Labrador launching at your chest every time you open the front door. They’re still trying to say, “Hi! I like you! Pay attention to me!”—they’re just not sure how to do it in a human-appropriate way.

Other common reasons dogs jump include:

• Excitement or overstimulation

• Seeking attention (even being told off can be reinforcing!)

• Lack of impulse control (especially in puppies and adolescents)

• Inconsistency in training – sometimes it’s rewarded, sometimes it’s not

What Doesn’t Work (and Why)

Before we get into what to do, let’s address a few common approaches that don’t help—and can even make the behaviour worse.

1. Pushing your dog off

It feels instinctive, but to your dog, it’s just play. Some even interpret the push as part of the game—“Oh great, we’re wrestling!”

2. Yelling “No!” or “Down!”

Unless your dog knows and responds reliably to those cues (which most don’t in high-arousal situations), you’re just adding more energy to the moment.

3. Kneeing them in the chest

Outdated, ineffective, and potentially harmful. Not only does it risk injury, but it can also damage your bond with your dog.

4. Hoping they’ll “grow out of it”

They won’t. Dogs repeat what works for them. If jumping has ever earned attention, they’ll keep trying it—especially when emotions run high.

How to Stop Your Dog from Jumping Up (Step by Step)

Step 1: Remove the Reward

The golden rule of behaviour: what gets rewarded, gets repeated. And for dogs, attention is a reward.

When your dog jumps up:

• Stand still, turn away, and go silent. No eye contact, no speaking, no hands.

• Wait for them to calm or place all four paws on the ground.

• THEN, calmly greet them or reward them with a treat, praise, or fuss.

This teaches your dog: “Paws on the floor = attention. Jumping up = nothing happens.”

Step 2: Teach an Incompatible Behaviour

Rather than just saying “don’t jump,” give them something else to do that they can’t do while jumping—like sitting.

How to train it:

• Practice sits when calm, gradually adding excitement (e.g. when you walk through the door, when guests arrive, etc.)

• Reinforce the sit immediately with calm praise or a treat.

• Use a cue like “say hello nicely” if you want to build a fun, polite greeting ritual.

Dogs can’t jump and sit at the same time—so it gives them a clear alternative.

Step 3: Practise with Controlled Setups

Don’t wait until guests arrive with armfuls of shopping and a fear of dogs. Set up training sessions where your dog can learn without pressure.

Ask a friend or family member to:

• Approach your dog calmly while they’re on lead

• Turn and walk away the second your dog jumps

• Re-approach only when the dog is calm or sitting

Repetition builds understanding: “If I stay calm and grounded, people come closer and say hi. If I jump, they vanish.”

Step 4: Manage the Environment

Until your dog is consistent, prevent jumping before it happens.

Try:

• Keeping your dog behind a baby gate when guests arrive

• Using a lead to control greetings

• Teaching your dog to go to a mat or bed as part of a “go settle” cue

• Rewarding calm behaviour before guests enter the room

You’re not avoiding the issue—you’re preventing your dog from rehearsing the unwanted behaviour and reinforcing the calm instead.

Extra Tips for Success

1. Exercise and enrichment go a long way.

A well-exercised, mentally stimulated dog is less likely to explode into jumping fits. Think sniff walks, puzzle feeders, or training games.

2. Keep your energy calm and low-key.

Greeting your dog like you’re reuniting after five years apart will only hype them up. Save the squeals for after they’ve calmed down.

3. Reward early and often.

The moment those paws hit the ground, mark it with a cheerful “Yes!” or a treat. Timing is everything.

4. Be patient.

This takes repetition and consistency. You’re rewiring an ingrained habit. It won’t change overnight—but with time, your dog will learn that calm = connection.

What If It’s Not Working?

If your dog is still jumping after weeks of consistent training, there may be other factors at play—like anxiety, frustration, or overarousal. That’s where professional help can make a difference.