9 Gentle Ways to Stop Your Dog from Jumping on People (That Actually Work)

Jumping might seem cute when your pup is tiny and excited to see you. But once your dog grows, that same behavior can become a problem—especially around guests, kids, or people who don’t want dog paws on them.

Dogs often jump because it works—they get your attention. They get to play. They’re happy. But if you want a well-behaved dog who greets calmly, now is the time to start training that behavior.

Here are nine proven ways to teach your dog not to jump—all based on real situations, and none require yelling or punishment.

1. Start Early and Stay Firm

Let’s be honest—puppy jumps are adorable. But that’s precisely the problem. When they’re small, we laugh it off. We pet them, pick them up, or talk sweetly to them. All that feels like love to your dog—and teaches them that jumping is good.

The best thing you can do is stop it early. As soon as your dog starts jumping up to greet you, ignore them. Don’t talk. Don’t touch. Don’t even make eye contact.

Your message should be: “Jumping gets you nothing.”

Be calm and consistent. If everyone in the house follows this rule, your dog will learn much faster.

2. Use the “No Talk, No Touch, No Eye Contact” Rule

This one works like magic if you stay patient. Don’t say anything when you walk in the door and your dog starts jumping. Don’t reach down to pet them. Don’t even look at them.

If your dog jumps on you, turn around and walk back out the door. Close it behind you. Wait 30 to 60 seconds, then try again.

If your dog keeps jumping, repeat the process. The goal is to teach them: “You don’t get attention until you stay calm.”

It may take a few tries—or even a few days—but it works. Your dog will eventually realise that staying on the ground is the only way to get love.

3. Redirect With a Toy

Some dogs get too excited to listen. You say “sit,” and they can’t even hear you. In cases like that, it helps to give them something else to do.

Try handing them a soft toy when guests arrive or when you come home. Many dogs will stop jumping when they have something in their mouth to carry around.

Keep a favorite toy by the door. Hand it to your dog or toss it gently near them when you walk in. This small habit can make a big difference.

4. Greet Them at Their Level

Some dogs jump up to reach your face. It’s how they say hi, especially if they’re a little extra affectionate or a nose-first dog.

To help with this, try kneeling to your dog’s level when you’re ready to greet them. This lets them connect with you without needing to jump.

But here’s a tip: don’t bend over them from above. That can feel scary or overwhelming to some dogs, and they might react by backing away—or jumping harder.

Instead, kneel or crouch to the side and let them approach you calmly.

5. Use the Sit Command—Every Time

“Sit” is one of the best commands to redirect your dog’s energy.

If your dog starts to jump, calmly turn your back. Wait a second. Then, ask them to “sit.” As soon as they do—reward!

Use treats, praise, or gentle petting. Whatever your dog loves.

Over time, they’ll learn: “When I sit, I get attention. When I jump, I get ignored.”

Do this every time. Eventually, sitting will become your dog’s go-to greeting.

6. Add More Exercise to Their Day

Sometimes, dogs jump because they’re just bursting with energy. Even a little excitement can turn into bouncing, barking, or wild zoomies if your dog isn’t getting enough playtime or walks.

A tired dog is a calmer dog.

Try adding an extra walk during the day. Or play fetch for 15 minutes before guests arrive. Mental stimulation (like puzzle toys or scent games) can also help drain that energy.

Check with your vet to ensure your dog’s exercise level is right for their age and breed.

7. Practice Calm Greetings on Walks

Your dog might be great at home but still jumps on strangers while out walking. This happens often—especially if people are friendly and let the dog jump on them.

Step back on the leash next time your dog tries to jump on someone. Once they stop jumping and stand calmly, step forward again.

Repeat this every time your dog jumps—back up. If they stay calm—move forward and reward.

Eventually, they’ll learn that calm behavior gets their attention. Jumping does not.

8. Teach Them Not to Jump at the Door

Some dogs lose their minds when it’s time for a walk. They jump, bark, scratch at the door, and go into full wiggle mode.

To stop this, use the same approach as before. Step back and wait if your dog jumps when you grab the leash or touch the doorknob. Only move forward when they calm down.

If they jump again—back up. Repeat this calmly until your dog waits nicely by the door.

Please don’t open the door until they’re sitting or standing still. This helps them learn patience and control during exciting moments.

9. Try an Anti-Anxiety Wrap for Overexcited Dogs

Some dogs just get overwhelmed with emotion. They’re not bad—they’re just too excited to settle.

Anti-anxiety wraps (like Thundershirts) apply gentle pressure to a dog’s body. This helps them feel grounded and safe. It’s like a calming hug.

While not a magic fix, these wraps can help reduce jumping by lowering your dog’s arousal level. They’re especially helpful during high-energy times like greetings, thunderstorms, or fireworks.

This might be worthwhile if your dog gets wild and nothing seems to work.

Final Thoughts

Jumping isn’t about being bad—it’s usually just your dog’s saying, “I missed you!” But without the right boundaries, that jumping can become a habit that’s hard to break.

By staying calm, being consistent, and using simple redirection tools, you can teach your dog that polite greetings are the way to go.

It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen.

And the best part? You’ll still get that happy wag and sparkle in their eyes without muddy paw prints on your shirt.

Because when it comes to our dogs, love doesn’t have to come with bruised knees or scratched faces. It can come with a gentle sit, a quiet tail wag, and a moment of shared calm.