🐶 “My Dog Gets TOO Excited When People Come Over…”
Jumping is one of the most common behaviors—and one of the most frustrating 😅
But here’s the thing:
👉 Dogs jump because it works.
They get:
- Attention
- Eye contact
- Touch
Even saying “no” can reinforce it!
🧠 Why Dogs Jump
Dogs greet face-to-face.
👉 Jumping = trying to say hello
Add excitement + energy, and you get:
💥 Jumping, bouncing, chaos
🐾 Step 1: Teach an Alternative Behavior
Instead of just stopping jumping…
👉 Teach:
✔ Sit for greetings
✔ Four paws on the floor
✔ Go to place
💡 Your dog needs a clear job.
🚫 Step 2: Remove Reinforcement for Jumping
When your dog jumps:
❌ No eye contact
❌ No talking
❌ No touching
👉 Turn away or step back
Jumping should get zero reward.
🧁 Step 3: Reward Calm Greetings
The moment your dog:
✔ Sits
✔ Stands calmly
✔ Keeps paws down
👉 Reward immediately!
This teaches:
👉 “Calm behavior works”
🚪 Step 4: Practice Setups (Don’t Wait for Guests)
- Set your dog up for success:
- Practice with family
- Use controlled repetitions
- Keep it low-pressure
👉 Training happens BEFORE real-life situations
🐾 Step 5: Manage the Environment
If your dog gets overwhelmed:
✔ Use a leash
✔ Use place
✔ Create distance
👉 Prevent rehearsal of jumping
🚫 What NOT to Do
❌ Yell or push your dog off
❌ Knee them (old advice—harmful)
❌ Expect instant perfection
👉 These don’t teach the right behavior.
💜 What Success Looks Like
A dog who:
✔ Greets calmly
✔ Keeps paws on the floor
✔ Looks to you for guidance
✨ Final Thoughts
Don’t just stop the behavior—replace it.
That’s where lasting change happens 💜
📣 Need Help With Excited Greetings?
🐾 Always Stay Pawsitive Dog Training
Helping you turn chaos into calm—one behavior at a time.
Always Stay Pawsitive Dog Training 
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