Dog Jumping on Guests: Teaching Polite Greetings

A dog bounding with enthusiasm is endearing, but that enthusiasm can quickly turn into frustration (and even injury!) when directed at guests. Jumping is often a sign of excitement and a desire for attention. Fortunately, with consistency and positive reinforcement, you can teach your dog to greet visitors politely.

Understanding the ‘Why’ Behind the Jump

Before tackling the behavior, understand why your dog is jumping. Typically, it’s about seeking attention. Even negative attention, like a guest pushing them off, reinforces the behavior. Your dog has received interaction, which is the desired outcome. Other reasons might include excitement, anxiety, or learned behavior – they may have been rewarded for jumping as a puppy.

Five Steps to Polite Greetings

1. Management is Key

   Prevent jumping from happening in the first place! If you know guests are arriving, keep your dog on a leash or in a separate room. This gives you control and prevents them from practicing the unwanted behavior. Have treats readily available near the door.

2. The ‘Off’ Command (or a Similar Alternative)

   Teaching a reliable ‘Off’ command is crucial. This command directly addresses the jumping. Start practicing this command in a low-distraction environment. Lure your dog into a jumping position (you can even lightly tap their front paws) and immediately say “Off” as their paws hit the ground. Reward them handsomely with a treat and praise. Repeat this process frequently.

3. The ‘Sit’ or ‘Down’ Alternative

   Train your dog to sit or lie down when someone approaches. This provides an alternative behavior to jumping. Practice this command often, rewarding with high-value treats. Gradually introduce distractions, simulating the arrival of a guest. When practicing, have someone ring the doorbell and then give your dog the “Sit” or “Down” command. Reward them for compliance.

4. Enlist Guest Participation

   Inform your guests before they arrive that you’re working on this behavior. Ask them to completely ignore your dog if they jump. No eye contact, no talking, no touching. Only when your dog has all four paws on the floor (or is sitting/lying down) should they offer attention. This consistency is vital for your dog to understand the new rules.

5. Reward Calm Behavior

   Once your dog is consistently greeting guests politely, continue to reinforce the desired behavior. Use praise, treats, or even a favorite toy as a reward. Gradually fade out the treats as the polite greeting becomes a habit. Remember, consistency is key, and patience is essential. It takes time and repetition to change a learned behavior.

Troubleshooting

• The dog jumps on the guest even with a leash: Keep the leash short and use a firm “Off” command. Guide them into a “Sit” or “Down” position and reward them for staying there.
• The dog is too excited to focus: Try exercising your dog before guests arrive to burn off excess energy. A tired dog is a more receptive dog.
• The guest inadvertently rewards the jumping: Gently remind the guest of the training plan.

Teaching your dog polite greetings is a worthwhile investment in their training and your peace of mind. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can transform your exuberant jumper into a well-mannered greeter.