How to Stop Your Dog from Jumping on Guests: Top 7 Tips

Guest authored by Daisy Becker from Fieldstone Animal Inn

Does your dog greet guests like they’ve just returned from a year-long mission to Mars? Jumping hugs from your dog could be annoying or unexpected for your house guests, but this behavior is also totally understandable. It’s your dog’s way to greet people. Your furry friend gets excited and tries to reach the head, mainly to sniff and perhaps give your guest a few kisses.

However, these types of dog hugs can be a bit harmful if nails scratch the skin. Besides, not everyone may appreciate a wet nose on their face. 

Let’s look at some of the most effective tips to socialize dog training and stop your companion from jumping on people.

(1) Train for the Behavior You Want To See 

When it comes to dog training and socialization, your dog needs to understand the behavior you prefer. While a lot of people focus on showing dogs what not to do, the truth is you need to go in the other direction. Guidance is much more effective if you help the dog understand what they should do instead.

Professional dog trainers have long recognized that dogs respond better to clear and positive instructions rather than constant scolding. Think of it like teaching a child - you don't criticize every mistake, you show them the right path with patience and positivity.

When it comes to jumping on people, what you need to teach your dog is to keep all paws on the ground. You can also teach your dog to sit. No matter what you pick, focus on teaching the dog what to do. It’s just one rule you need to follow. Most importantly, be consistent with it.

(2) Don't Give Attention if Your Dog Jumps

When a dog jumps on you, rewarding your furry friend will make this behavior a habit. It doesn't start with your guests but with yourself. 

This means there should be no rewards whatsoever when the dog jumps, not even a bit of attention. If you want to eliminate this behavior, you need to stop reinforcing it. So, when jumping gets zero reaction, they'll quickly realize this isn't the way to get what they want. They'll soon figure out that four paws on the ground gets them the love and attention they're seeking.

Your dog only wants attention when jumping on people. Taking it away will help clear the behavior.

If your dog jumps on you or your guest, turn your head around. You can also just walk away and ignore the dog. With time, your dog will realize that jumping has the wrong effect. At the same time, you also need to give your companion some attention once all four paws are on the ground. Soon, it will make sense to your furry friend.

(3) Dogs Understand Rewards

Everything is about rewards when you socialize dog training. Their ability to read human body language and emotional cues is far more sophisticated than many people realize. Dogs understand what you want much quicker if you reward them for good things. While keeping attention under control is very useful, you also need to reward your dog when all four paws are on the ground.

No matter how busy you are, make sure you don’t withhold attention if your dog follows your requirements. This could be annoying, especially after a few minutes of them sitting still and not jumping, but at the end of the day, that’s what it takes to showcase what you want.

If you don't pay attention and give rewards when your dog’s paws are on the ground, chances are, your dog will be confused.

(4) Avoid Putting Your Knee Up

Some recommend putting your knee up against the dog’s chest when they try to jump. The dog won’t interpret this behavior as a rejection, though. Instead, this is often seen by the dog as a wrestling game. Besides, it’s still a form of affection, so the dog will keep jumping in the future.

Furthermore, you risk injuring your dog. The dog could lose balance and fall on their back, which could have serious consequences.

(5) Distract Them With Treats

Treats shouldn’t only be offered when the dog behaves - they can serve as a great distraction when guests are coming over too. One of the easiest ways to prevent dogs from jumping is to scatter some treats on the floor. Obviously, you should have some in your pocket as well. Once your guests are at the door, scatter the treats around.

No dog can resist free treats. Besides, your dog can’t jump and eat at the same time. Sooner or later, your furry friend will understand that being on all four paws leads to a reward. Again, attention is also important in the process, so don’t hesitate to offer it for good behavior.

P.S. These tips work not just for house guests but also for keeping fragile objects like holiday trees safe. During the holiday season, you can use distractions, treats, and barriers to protect your Christmas tree. Check out our blog post for more tips on how to keep your pet away from the Christmas tree. 

(6) No Grabbing or Pushing

When you socialize dog training, you need to remember that attention is everything, and grabbing or pushing your dog away is still giving them attention. But then, even negative attention is still attention. Whether you hold paws, push the dog away, or just grab your furry friend, this form of attention is seen as a reward.

In the long run, this kind of behavior will cause even more jumping.

For some dogs, a bit of physical contact can also be considered playtime. Just because you push the dog away, your companion will come back with even more energy, thinking it’s all a game.

(7) Involve the Whole Family (and Strangers Too!)

Last, but not least, remember that to socialize dog training, everyone in the household must be involved. If you live by yourself, make sure your guests and friends know what you're trying to do, too. Simply put, get people ready and give them a brief training before they come over.

When multiple people follow different rules, it creates confusion for the dog that can undermine the entire training process. A single inconsistent response can potentially reset weeks of behavioral progress, making collective commitment crucial.

Even when you’re out in a park and the dog tries approaching people, tell strangers about your training as well. Any person getting in touch with your furry friend must follow these rules for the training to be effective.

In conclusion, these tips aren't just techniques; they're a loving way to communicate with your four-legged best friend. Your dog just wants to please you, and with these strategies, you’re not just stopping jumps but building an incredible bond. Plus, your friends, family, and other guests will be happier as well, so it’s a win-win for everyone.

Looking for more ways to celebrate your dog? Check out PugMug for incredible one-of-a-kind custom dog art. PugMug takes your dog’s photos and transforms them into art in hundreds of themed styles, from sports to holidays to art styles inspired by famous artists. 

P.S. For the best dog training, boarding, and daycare in the Maryland area, make sure to visit Fieldstone Animal Inn.