How to teach your dog not to jump on people and avoid accidents
Updated 14 October 2026
In short: dogs jump on people to greet them up close and get attention, and it works: every look, touch or "no!" rewards the behaviour. To stop it, withdraw attention when the dog jumps (turn away, stay silent), give it the moment all four paws are on the floor, and teach something to do instead, such as sitting to say hello. With the whole family being consistent, most dogs improve within a few weeks.
Why does my dog jump on people?
Dogs greet each other nose to nose. Since our faces are much higher up, the dog jumps to get closer. It also jumps out of excitement, to get attention, or sometimes out of stress when someone arrives.
The trouble is that we often reward it without meaning to. In a puppy it's endearing, so we pet it. And even pushing the dog away or saying "no" is still attention. A puppy that learned jumping works will keep doing it as an adult, 20 or 40 kg heavier: enough to knock over a child or an older person.
Quiz: what makes your dog jump?
The 5-step method to stop jumping
- Withdraw attention when it jumpsTurn away, fold your arms, don't speak or look at the dog. If needed, step out of the room for a few seconds. At first the dog may jump even more: that's normal, it's testing what used to work. Stay consistent.
- Reward four paws on the floorThe moment its paws touch the floor, praise calmly, pet it or drop a treat at ground level. Your attention becomes the reward for calm.
- Teach it to sit to say helloPractise "sit" in calm moments, then ask for it just before exciting moments (coming home, a visitor arriving). A sitting dog can't jump.
- Manage the environmentWhile it's learning, don't let jumping pay off: lead or baby gate when guests arrive, distance from passers-by. Every successful jump keeps the habit going.
- Be consistent as a familyIf just one person accepts jumping, the dog will keep trying. Agree on the rule as a family and explain it to visitors.
Avoid: kneeing the chest, stepping on back paws or shouting. These can hurt, scare the dog and damage your relationship, without teaching it what to do instead.
What to do in each situation
Come in without a fuss: a few calm words, then get on with things. Greet your dog properly once it has settled. Do the same when leaving: emotional goodbyes make reunions explosive.
Tell your visitors: only pet the dog when all four paws are on the floor. At first, keep it on a lead or behind a gate, and reward every calm moment. A mat or bed with a chew helps it wait.
Bring treats. When someone approaches, ask for a sit at a comfortable distance and reward. If the person wants to pet your dog, they may only do so while it stays seated. A Y harness and a short lead help keep it close.
Children run and shout, which winds dogs up. Teach them to "be a tree" when the dog jumps: stand still, fold their arms, look at their feet. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, however gentle.
Channel its energy so it jumps less
A dog that doesn't get enough exercise boils over more easily. Mix up activities:
- Sniffing games: hide treats, use a snuffle mat. Ten minutes of sniffing tire a dog as much as a long walk.
- Varied walks: new places and time to sniff, rather than the same loop every day.
- Short training sessions: five minutes a day of "sit", "down", "stay" with rewards.
- Classes with a trainer: if jumping persists, a reward-based trainer can help.
Is your no-jumping plan ready?
Frequently asked questions
Why does my dog jump on me when I come home?
To greet you as close to your face as possible and get your attention. If you pet it or talk to it then, it learns that jumping works.
How long does it take for a dog to stop jumping?
Often a few weeks if the whole family is consistent. At first, the dog may jump harder before it understands: a sign the method is starting to work.
Should I say "no" to a dog that jumps?
Better to say nothing and turn away. A "no" is still attention to the dog and doesn't teach it what to do. Reward four paws on the floor or a sit instead.
My puppy jumps, is that a problem?
It's not serious, but it's the best time to teach it to greet sitting. What's cute at 3 kg is much less so at 30 kg.
My dog jumps on people on walks, what can I do?
Keep your distance, ask for a sit before it gets too close and reward. A harness and a short lead help keep it safely by your side.