
Tired of being greeted by a jumping dog every time you walk through the door?
While it may feel overwhelming, your dog isn’t trying to misbehave—they’re just bursting with excitement!
The good news? You can stop this behavior with a few simple, effective techniques. Here’s how:
- The real reason dogs jump—and what it says about them.
- One magic command to keep your dog grounded.
- Why ignoring your dog could be the best first step.
- Quick, affordable training treats recipes your dog will love.
- A step-by-step plan to end jumping for good.
Ready to keep your dog’s paws on the ground? Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
- How to Stop a Dog From Jumping When Excited
- Step-by-Step Plan to Stop Jumping
- Recipes for Training Treats
- Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Bonus Tips to Reinforce Calm Behavior
- Advanced Techniques for Persistent Jumpers
- Conclusion
- ⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)
- ⚠️ Top Trending Today
How to Stop a Dog From Jumping When Excited
Step-by-Step Plan to Stop Jumping
Dogs learn best with clear, consistent rules. Follow this step-by-step plan to help your dog kick the jumping habit for good.

Step 1: Teach the “Off” Command
- How It Works: The “off” command teaches your dog that jumping is not acceptable.
- How to Do It:
- When your dog jumps, say “Off” in a firm but calm voice.
- Step back or turn away to remove your attention.
- When all four paws are on the ground, immediately reward them with praise or a treat.
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- Why It Works: Dogs thrive on positive reinforcement. Rewarding calm behavior teaches them that staying grounded gets them what they want.
Pro Tip: Keep treats handy near your front door or in your pocket to reward good behavior immediately. Timing is everything!
Step 2: Ignore the Jumping
- How It Works: Ignoring your dog removes the attention it craves.
- How to Do It:
- When your dog jumps, avoid eye contact, talking, or touching.
- Wait until they calm down and have all four paws on the ground.
- Reward calm behavior with love and treats.
- Pro Tip: Be patient! Ignoring your dog may first make them jump more. This is known as an “extinction burst.” They are trying harder to get your attention. Stay consistent, and they’ll eventually stop.
Step 3: Teach an Alternate Behavior
- How It Works: Redirect your dog’s excitement into something positive, like sitting.
- How to Do It:
- When your dog approaches, ask them to “sit” before they have a chance to jump.
- Reward them immediately when they sit.
- Repeat this every time they greet you, so sitting becomes their default behavior.
- Why It Works: Teaching a new habit (like sitting) gives your dog a clear alternative to jumping.
Step 4: Consistency is Key
- How It Works: Everyone in your household must follow the same rules.
- How to Do It:
- Make sure all family members, guests, and friends know not to encourage jumping.
- Use the same commands and rewards to avoid confusing your dog.
- Why It Works: Mixed signals slow down training. Dogs learn faster when the rules are clear and consistent.
Real-Life Example: One dog owner reported that by using this step with her family, her dog stopped jumping within just two weeks. The key? Everyone followed the same rules, even the kids!
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Recipes for Training Treats
Training is much more effective with rewards, and what’s better than homemade treats? These recipes are healthy, affordable, and safe for your dog.
1. Peanut Butter Bliss Bites
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup peanut butter (ensure it is xylitol-free)
- 1 ripe banana
- Instructions:
- Mash the banana in a bowl.
- Add the oats and peanut butter, mixing until combined.
- Roll them into small, bite-sized balls.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Why Dogs Love It: The peanut butter is tasty. The oats add fiber for digestion.
2. Sweet Potato Chews
- Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- Instructions:
- Wash and slice the sweet potatoes into thin strips.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2 to 3 hours, flipping halfway through.
- Let them cool before serving.
- Why Dogs Love It: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and have a chewy texture that keeps dogs busy.
3. Chicken Training Tidbits
- Ingredients:
- 1 cooked chicken breast
- Instructions:
- Shred or dice the chicken breast into small pieces.
- Store in the refrigerator for quick, high-reward training treats.
- Why Dogs Love It: Chicken is high in protein, making it a great motivator during training sessions.
Pro Tip: For variety, try using low-fat turkey or salmon for these treats. Dogs love the change in flavor!
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Avoid These Common Mistakes
Training your dog to stop jumping can be tough. But, avoiding these mistakes will help you succeed:
- Pushing Your Dog Away: Dogs often see pushing as play. It can encourage more jumping.
- Mixed Signals: If one person rewards jumping and another says no, your dog will be confused.
- Forgetting to Reward Calm Behavior: Positive reinforcement is key to teaching new behaviors.
Quick Fact: Studies show that dogs respond better to praise than to punishment. Reward calmness instead of reacting to bad behavior.
Bonus Tips to Reinforce Calm Behavior
- Burn Off Energy: A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Regular exercise—like walks, fetch, or tug-of-war—helps reduce excitement and impulsive behaviors.
- Use Puzzle Toys: Mental stimulation keeps your dog engaged and less likely to jump. Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys are great options.
- Practice Leash Greetings: Use a leash to control your dog when guests arrive. Reward calm greetings with treats.
Extra Tip: If your dog struggles with guests, have a friend practice greetings with them first. Gradual exposure helps build their confidence and self-control.
Advanced Techniques for Persistent Jumpers
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your dog might continue jumping. This doesn’t mean you’re failing—it simply means your dog needs a more tailored approach. Persistent jumpers often require advanced techniques to break the habit. Here are a few strategies to take your training to the next level:
1. Use a Leash for Controlled Greetings
- Why It Works: A leash lets you control your dog during greetings. It prevents them from jumping up.
- How to Do It:
- Keep your dog on a leash when guests arrive or when you come home.
- Step on the leash to ensure they cannot physically jump.
- Ask your dog to “Sit” or “Stay,” rewarding them for keeping calm.
- Gradually reduce your reliance on the leash as they learn proper greeting behavior.
This method helps dogs who get too excited by visitors.
2. Introduce Place Training
- Why It Works: Place training teaches your dog to stay in a specific area (like a bed or mat) during exciting times. This helps them self-regulate.
- How to Do It:
- Choose a “place” for your dog, like a comfy bed or mat.
- Use the command “Place” and guide them to the spot with a treat.
- Reward them for staying on the mat and gradually increase the duration.
- Practice this when guests arrive or during other high-energy moments.
Pro Tip: Place training not only stops jumping but also creates a sense of calm and structure for your dog.
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3. Desensitize Your Dog to Triggers
- Why It Works: If your dog jumps at triggers (like your arrival), desensitization can help.
- How to Do It:
- Practice coming home without escalating their excitement.
- Enter the house calmly, ignoring your dog until they settle down.
- Reward them only when they’re calm.
- Repeat this process daily to establish a new routine.
This teaches your dog that staying calm is more rewarding than jumping.

4. Work with a Professional Trainer
- Why It Works: For tough cases, trainers can give tailored support. They use special techniques to fix ongoing jumping problems.
- How to Do It:
- Look for a certified trainer with positive reinforcement methods.
- Discuss your dog’s specific challenges and create a tailored training plan.
These techniques can help, even with the most persistent jumpers. They can learn to greet calmly. Every dog learns at their own pace, so stay patient, consistent, and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed!
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Conclusion
Training your dog to stop jumping might take time. But every small victory is worth celebrating. With patience and the right techniques, you’ll soon have a dog. It will greet you politely and stay grounded in exciting moments.
Every training session you complete is a step toward a calmer, happier dog. Your patience and love are the foundation of their success—keep going, and you’ll see results!
Start today by trying one of the steps above. Your dog—and your wardrobe—will thank you!
⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)
A: Chicken
B: Beef
C: Pork
D: Fish
E: Vegetables
Make your selection above or click here to skip straight to the answer.
==> Click Here To Discover #1 Dog Food To Avoid