Stopping the Jumping-Up Habit

Overview

Jumping is a normal, friendly greeting behavior. It's also annoying, muddy, and dangerous for kids and elderly guests. The fix is a two-part swap: remove all reward for jumping, and heavily reward four paws on the floor (or a sit).

Why it matters

The dog is not "being dominant" — they're desperately trying the strategy that has always earned them face-height attention.

Watch: demonstration

[VIDEO PLACEHOLDER] Guest comes in, dog sits, guest greets. Compare with dog jumping, guest turns away. — trainer to attach a video via the admin uploader.

Step by step

1. The instant paws leave the floor, all attention disappears — turn your back, walk away.

2. The instant paws are back on the floor, mark and reward at floor level.

3. Teach a sit-to-greet: dog sits, greeter approaches. If dog stands or jumps, greeter freezes or backs up.

4. Coach every human who greets your dog to follow the same rules — one exception undoes weeks.

5. For habitual jumpers, tether the dog to a doorknob or heavy furniture during greetings — they can only reach visitors if they're sitting.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER] Sit-to-greet setup with dog on a tether at the front door. — trainer to upload one or more still images.

Common mistakes

• Kneeing the dog in the chest — cruel and doesn't work long-term.

• One family member allowing jumping while others don't.

• Yelling — attention is attention, even negative.

Practice this week

Run 5 practice greetings a day with a helper.