How to stop your dog from jumping up onto people is an important part of basic training for your pet.

It’s cute that your dog is so affectionate and friendly, but let’s face it: your dog won’t exactly win any prizes or make many new friends if he’s leaping up with muddy paws onto humans.

And simply yelling “No!” when your dog does this won’t do much to discourage this natural canine behavior, as you’ve probably learned by now.

How to Stop Your Dog From Jumping Up

Indeed, jumping onto people is an annoying habit, and it’s very common in younger puppies (and far more annoying in larger, older dogs), but it’s a habit that’s fairly easy to break over time if you follow a few simple pet training techniques.

When you walk into your home and your dog comes bounding in to leap up onto you, turn around and face the other way. Don’t push him off of you (which the dog could interpret as playing with him); just passively turn around. Alternately, you can turn to the side and kind of lift up your leg a bit to block the dog’s upward advances.

When the dog stops jumping, reward him by saying, “Good dog!” Have your dog sit before you pet him. When he’s sitting, lavish him with gentle praise (don’t get him get too riled up, or he’ll simply start jumping up again). The key thing to remember is don’t touch your dog unless and until he’s in a sitting position. Keep practicing this, rewarding him with pet treats now and then, until the dog gets a good handle on things.

Now it’s time to graduate to the next level: have some friends come over and have them also not pet your dog until he stops jumping and stays seated. “Dog Whisperer” Cesar Milan says, “When your guests arrive, ask your dog to sit patiently. Your dog will follow your commands when he respects you as his pack leader.” Don’t let your friends leave your dog hanging: if he’s being good and sitting down, tail wagging in anticipation, then they should pet him immediately.

With persistence and praise, these dog training tips will help stop your puppy from jumping up onto people.

Email this!

Hey, Like This? Join Our List!

It's easy to get free pet advice. Sign up now to be notified as soon as we post new stuff.