Jumping on People
Jumping up is a natural greeting behaviour for dogs but can be problematic — knocking over elderly people, children, or guests. Very common in enthusiastic breeds like Labradors, Boxers, and Goldens.
Why Dogs Do This
natural greeting behaviour learned as puppies when people found it cute
historically rewarded with attention (even negative attention is reinforcement)
high excitement state during greetings
insufficient training of an alternative greeting behaviour
Step-by-Step Solutions
The solution is teaching an incompatible behaviour — four paws on the floor (or a sit) is incompatible with jumping. Simultaneously, ensure jumping is never rewarded with any attention. Consistency across all family members and guests is essential.
Training Techniques
"Four-on-the-floor" rule: Every person in the family rewards the dog ONLY when all four paws are on the ground. The moment the dog jumps, turn away completely and cross arms.
"Sit to greet": Teach a reliable sit and ask for it before every greeting. Reward heavily for the sit.
"Threshold practice": Practice calm greetings at the door daily, starting with the dog on a leash for management.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Kneeing the dog (causes confusion and injury)
Allowing some people to accept jumping and others to correct it
Giving any attention at all when the dog jumps — even pushing away
Do's and Don'ts
be consistent — every family member and guest must follow the same rules
reward four-on-the-floor immediately and enthusiastically
ask guests to turn away when the dog jumps
practice calm greetings regularly in low-arousal states
manage with a leash at the door while training
knee the dog in the chest — this causes injury and confusion
grab the dog's paws — this reinforces the jumping with physical interaction
allow it sometimes and correct it other times — this makes it worse
let guests decide whether to allow jumping — the rule must be universal
yell at the dog — excited dogs interpret loud voices as excited participation
Further Reading
Online Resources
Recommended Books
📚 How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves by Sophia Yin
Training aids that help
Front-clip harnesses, training leashes, and enrichment toys