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- Tired of the Jumping? Teach Your Dog Calm Greetings That Stick 🧘🐾
Tired of the Jumping? Teach Your Dog Calm Greetings That Stick 🧘🐾
In partnership with
Hey Puppy Parent,
We’ve all been there, someone rings the bell and suddenly your dog transforms into a four-legged launch missile. 😅 Whether it’s guests, delivery drivers, or even you walking through the door, jumping can go from cute to chaotic fast.
But here’s the good news: with a few consistent steps and the right rewards, you can teach your pup that calm is the new excited. This issue is all about turning wild greetings into polite welcomes, no yelling, no stress.
1. Why Dogs Jump (And Why It’s Not Bad Behavior) 🤷♂️🐶
Jumping isn’t your dog being “naughty”, it’s natural. They jump to seek attention, say hello, and connect at eye level.
💬 They’re excited:
Jumping is often an overflow of joy when someone they love (or just find interesting) appears.
🧠 They’ve been rewarded in the past:
Even eye contact or a laugh can reinforce the behavior unintentionally.
✨ Pro Tip: Changing the behavior starts by changing what gets rewarded.
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2. Teach an Alternative Greeting: Calm is the Goal 🧘♀️🎯
Your dog needs to learn what to do instead. Here's how:
🪑 Default “sit” or “place”:
Train your dog to automatically sit when someone enters. Use treats and repetition to make it their go-to move.
🚪 Controlled entrances:
Practice greeting routines with family or friends. Have the person enter only when your dog is calm or sitting.
🙌 Reward quickly:
Praise and treat immediately when all four paws are on the ground. Timing is everything.
🚫 No attention for jumping:
Turn away, avoid eye contact, and stay silent. The moment they stop, that’s when the reward happens.
✨ Bonus Tip: Keep treats by the door in a sealed jar so you’re always ready for a training moment.
3. Use the Right Tools to Reinforce Calm Behavior 🎾🐕
Interactive tools and toys can redirect energy and help your dog focus:
🧸 Tug or chew toy by the door:
Give your pup something else to do with their mouth and paws.
📦 Treat station at entry points:
Keep high-value treats at hand for reinforcing calm greetings on the spot.
🪟 Use a barrier:
A baby gate near the door gives you space to manage greetings while your dog practices patience.
🎯 Calming enrichment:
Before guests arrive, use a frozen Kong or sniff game to reduce pre-door excitement.
✨ Fun Fact: Replacing chaos with structure not only improves greetings, it builds confidence, too!
Polite Greetings = Happier Guests and a Calmer Home 🏡🐶
Teaching your dog not to jump doesn’t mean crushing their excitement, it means giving them a better way to express it. With consistency, clear cues, and a little planning, those door-launching days will soon be behind you.
👉 Need more support for high-energy habits? Check out:
Interactive Dog Toys to Keep Your Pup Entertained and
High Protein Dog Meals to Boost Your Pet’s Energy, two ways to help channel your dog’s enthusiasm the smart way.
Best regards,
The Adoring Dogs Team