How Do I Teach My Dog Not to Jump on People?

Quick Answer: Ignore the jump completely — turn back, cross arms, zero eye contact, zero sound. The nanosecond four paws touch the floor — turn around, reward enthusiastically. The rule: jumping gets nothing, four paws on floor gets everything. Every single person who interacts with the dog must be consistent — one exception teaches the dog that persistence eventually pays off.

Why Saying 'Off' or Pushing Away Fails

Any response to jumping — even negative — is still attention, which is what the dog wanted. Saying 'off,' pushing, kneeing — all deliver the interaction the dog sought. The only effective response is complete withdrawal of all attention the instant they jump.

Training a Sit Greeting

Once jumping is reduced, teach sit as the greeting behavior. Ask for sit before any person interacts with the dog. Dog learns: sitting is the key to getting attention. This is more reliable long-term than just extinguishing jumping.

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