How to Stop Your Dog from Jumping on Guests

Prep Your Dog Before Guests Arrive

Before your guests arrive, help your dog calm down by exercising them. Take your dog for a walk or let them play in the yard to burn off excess energy. A tired dog is less likely to jump out of excitement. If you can’t exercise your dog beforehand, consider keeping them in another room until the guests are settled. This prevents jumping and avoids reinforcing the behavior.

Use Leash and Commands to Control Behavior

Keep your dog on a leash when guests arrive. This gives you better control and helps prevent jumping. Ask your dog to “sit” and “stay” as the guest enters. If your dog starts to jump, calmly redirect them back to the “sit” and “stay” position. Use a quiet “No” if they jump, then step back to remove attention. Only allow the guest to pet your dog once they are sitting and staying calmly.

Train Your Dog to Wait for Permission

Your dog must learn that only you decide when they can greet someone. Never let guests say “It’s okay” if your dog jumps. That teaches your dog that jumping is acceptable. Instead, be the one in charge. If your dog jumps, remove them from the situation and reset. Reward calm behavior with treats and praise—only when all four paws are on the ground.

Be the Focus, Not the Guest

You are the trainer, not your guest. Don’t expect visitors to manage your dog’s behavior. Tell your guest, “I need 60 seconds to train my dog,” then focus entirely on your dog. This keeps your attention on the training, not socializing. If your dog is too excited, step back and wait until they calm down before trying again.

Practice Consistently for Long-Term Success

Start training in calm environments with no guests. Practice the “sit” and “stay” command when you come home. Use treats and praise when your dog stays calm. Gradually add distractions—like a friend pretending to arrive—to simulate real-life situations. Over time, your dog will learn that sitting and staying leads to attention and rewards, not jumping.