Why Does My Dog Jump on People?

Your dog jumps because they're happy to see people — which is sweet, but it can knock over guests, scare children, and make walks awkward. The good news: this is very trainable.

3 Common Causes

1. 1

   Greeting behavior — dogs naturally greet face-to-face. Jumping is their way of trying to reach your face for a proper hello.

2. 2

   Reinforced excitement — if jumping gets attention (even negative attention like pushing away), your dog learns jumping = interaction.

3. 3

   Excess energy — dogs with insufficient exercise or mental stimulation may have energy that bursts out as jumping.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should I start training my dog not to jump?

Start as early as possible — even puppies should learn four-on-the-floor. What seems cute in a puppy becomes problematic in an adult dog.

How do I stop my dog from jumping on guests?

Keep your dog on a leash when guests arrive. Ask guests to ignore the dog until they sit. Reward the sit with attention and treats.

Why does my dog only jump on certain people?

Your dog may jump on people who give the most excited reactions or who have previously rewarded the behavior with attention.

Related Behavior Guides

• Barks at strangersbarking
• Pulls on leashwalking