Why Do Dogs Jump and How You Can Stop It

If you’ve ever walked into a home and been greeted by a dog launching itself at your chest, you’re not alone. Jumping is one of the most common behavioural issues dog owners face. It’s annoying, it can be dangerous (especially with kids or older adults), and if you’re not careful, it can become a hard habit to break. So why do dogs jump—and how can you stop it?

Why Dogs Jump

Let’s get into the dog’s head for a minute. Dogs aren’t trying to be rude when they jump. In fact, they’re usually trying to do the opposite: connect.

1. Seeking Attention: Dogs learn early on that jumping gets a reaction. Whether it’s petting, talking, or even being pushed away, attention is attention. To a dog, negative attention can still reinforce the behavior.

2. Excitement: Many dogs simply don’t know how to manage their excitement when they see a favorite person or meet someone new. Jumping becomes an outlet for all that energy.

3. Greeting Behavior: In the canine world, dogs often greet each other face to face. Since most humans are taller than dogs, they may jump to reach our faces.

4. Lack of Training: Puppies are rarely corrected for jumping early on because it’s seen as cute. That makes it harder to change later, when the dog is bigger and the jumping less adorable.

5. Reinforced Habits: If jumping has been tolerated—or even rewarded—dogs will keep doing it. Consistency is everything in dog behavior.

How to Stop a Dog from Jumping

Stopping a dog from jumping takes time, patience, and consistency. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Ignore the Jumping

This is easier said than done, especially if a dog is muddy or large. But if you give any attention while they’re jumping—even scolding—you’re still reinforcing the behavior. Turn your back. Don’t talk, touch, or look at the dog. Wait until all four paws are on the floor, then calmly reward with attention or a treat.

2. Reward Calm Behaviour

When your dog is calm, feet on the ground, and not seeking attention through jumping, reward them. This reinforces that calm behavior is what gets them what they want.

3. Teach an Incompatible Behaviour

Train your dog to “sit” or “stay” when people come to the door. You can’t jump and sit at the same time. With enough repetition, your dog will start offering the sit instead of the jump when they want attention.

4. Use a Leash for Greetings

If your dog gets overly excited when meeting people, use a leash to control the interaction. Step on the leash or hold it firmly to prevent them from jumping. Ask the guest to only give attention when the dog is calm.

5. Consistency from Everyone

Everyone in the dog’s life has to be on the same page. If one person allows the jumping while others correct it, the dog gets mixed signals. That makes the habit harder to break.

6. Practice at the Door

Most dogs jump when someone walks in. Set up controlled situations to practice. Have someone knock or ring the doorbell. When your dog starts to get excited, ask for a sit. Reward them for staying seated as the guest enters. Repeat this often.

7. Professional Help If Needed

If you’ve tried everything and the jumping continues, a professional dog trainer can help. They’ll work with you and your dog to create a customized training plan.

Why Do Dogs Jump and How You Can Stop It

Final Thoughts

Jumping might be natural for dogs, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Dogs thrive on structure and clear communication. If you consistently show them that jumping doesn’t work—but calm behavior does—they’ll adjust. It won’t happen overnight, but with time and effort, you’ll have a dog that greets politely instead of launching like a rocket.