How to Stop Your Dog from Jumping When Excited (Without Losing Your Sanity)

So, your dog turns into a pogo stick every time someone walks through the door? Yeah, we’ve all been there.

One minute, you’re greeting a friend; the next, they’re being tackled by 60 pounds of pure enthusiasm. Cute? Maybe the first time. Annoying? Absolutely.

But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Excited jumping is a super common issue, and the good news is—it’s totally fixable. Let’s break it down step by step so you can reclaim your personal space (and your guests’ dignity).

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Why Do Dogs Jump in the First Place?

Before we fix the problem, let’s understand it. Dogs jump for a simple reason: it works.

Puppies jump to get their mom’s attention—so it’s basically built into their DNA.
Humans are tall, so jumping up is a way for dogs to get closer to our faces (because apparently, sniffing butts isn’t enough).
If jumping gets them any kind of reaction—pats, excited voices, or even you pushing them away—they’ll keep doing it.

Translation: If your dog thinks jumping = attention, they’ll keep bouncing around like a furry trampoline.

Step 1: Stop Rewarding the Jumping

Here’s the hard truth: If your dog jumps and you react (even negatively), you’re reinforcing the behavior. Yes, even if you say, “No, stop that!” in your best stern voice.

What to do instead:

The moment your dog jumps? Ignore them. No talking, no touching, no eye contact. Become as exciting as a brick wall.
If they’re persistent (spoiler: they will be), turn your back.
Only give attention when all four paws are on the ground. Boom—lesson learned.

Your dog will be very confused at first. Stay strong! You’re reprogramming their behavior, and it takes time.

Step 2: Teach an Alternative Behavior

Dogs don’t just magically stop doing something. You need to replace the bad behavior with a good one. Enter: the sit command.

How to do it:

The second your dog approaches, ask them to sit (before they have a chance to jump).
Reward with treats, praise, or belly rubs.
Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Eventually, your dog will learn that sitting gets them what they want—attention. Jumping? Not so much.

Step 3: Leash Training for Door Greetings

Dogs lose their minds when guests arrive. If your pup turns into a flying fur missile every time the door opens, try this:

Before opening the door, put your dog on a leash.
Step on the leash so they can’t physically jump.
Once they calm down, allow greetings.
If they try to jump? Game over—turn your back and ignore them.

This method prevents the jump while reinforcing calm behavior. Plus, your guests won’t have to brace for impact every time they visit.

Step 4: The Power of Consistency

I get it—life happens. Some days, you’ll be patient and disciplined. Other days, you’ll be like, “Fine, whatever, just stop barking” and give in. But dogs thrive on consistency.

If you let them jump sometimes, they’ll think, Oh, so it’s a gamble? Cool, I’ll keep trying!

Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page. Otherwise, your dog will find the weakest link (probably your grandma) and exploit it.

Step 5: Managing Over-the-Top Excitement

Some dogs are naturally more excitable than others (looking at you, Labradors). If your pup is a bundle of energy, make sure they’re getting enough physical and mental exercise. A tired dog is way less likely to jump.

Ways to burn off excess energy:

Longer walks – 10 minutes isn’t enough. Step it up.
Puzzle toys – Let them work for their treats.
Training sessions – Mental stimulation is just as tiring as physical exercise.
Playdates – A tired dog = a well-behaved dog.

If your dog is bouncing off the walls, it’s not their fault—they just need an outlet. Help them out.

Step 6: Use the Right Training Tools (If Needed)

If your dog is extra stubborn, you might need a little backup. Here are some tools that can help:

A front-clip harness – Gives you more control.
A treat pouch – So you can reward good behavior instantly.
A clicker – Perfect for reinforcing the sit command quickly.

What you don’t need: yelling, shock collars, or losing your patience. Positive reinforcement works way better than punishment.

Step 7: Handling Guests Who Encourage Jumping

You know that one friend who loves when your dog jumps all over them? Yeah, they’re not helping.

Let your guests know ahead of time: “Hey, we’re training [dog’s name] not to jump. Please ignore them until they sit.” If they refuse? Sorry, but they’re part of the problem.

Dogs are opportunists. If one person encourages the jumping, your training efforts go out the window. Stand firm. Your dog (and your guests’ clean clothes) will thank you later.

Final Thoughts: Stay Patient & Keep It Fun

Breaking a jumping habit isn’t instant—it takes time. Some dogs get it in a few days, others need a few weeks. The key? Consistency, patience, and clear communication.

Your dog isn’t being bad—they just don’t know any better yet. But with a little training (and a lot of ignoring their pogo-stick tendencies), they’ll learn that staying grounded gets them way more love than jumping ever did.

And hey, at least they’re not chewing your shoes, right? 😉

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉