How to Stop a Dog Jumping Up

Stopping your dog from jumping is easier than you think! In this one-week course, we'll teach you how to stop a dog from jumping up.

Why do dogs constantly jump on you?

Dogs tend to jump because they are excited and want to get closer to the source of that excitement.

This might be food, play, or even attention.

The goal of this course is to teach your dog that jumping makes the exciting thing go away, but that keeping all four paws on the ground means they get what they want sooner. This creates a win-win situation which will encourage your dog to keep delivering your preferred behaviour long-term.

What is the best way to stop a dog from jumping up?

Day 1

Dogs tend to jump because they are excited and want to get closer to the source of that excitement. This might be food, play, or even attention.

The goal of this course is to teach your dog that jumping makes the exciting thing go away, but that keeping all four paws on the ground means they get what they want sooner.

Day 2

Start by asking your dog to Sit. If you haven't mastered Sit yet, we have a dedicated course for it.

Hold a low-value treat, like kibble, or toy between your thumb and forefinger at shoulder height, slowly lowering it towards your dog.

When you see them getting excited, but they are still in the sitting position, say "GOOD", and quickly deliver the reward to them without them getting up.

Keep using kibble or another low-value treat to manage dog excitement. If you start with tasty chicken or cheese the training will get much harder. We'll tell you once you can start using tastier treats

Day 3

Start by asking your dog to Sit.

Lower the treat (kibble) or toy further, until you are level with their nose. Ideally the treat should be at least 15cm/16 inches away from them once level.

When you see them getting excited, but they are still in the sitting position, say "GOOD", and quickly deliver the reward to them without them getting up.

Day 4

Start by asking your dog to Sit.

Lower the treat (kibble) or toy further, until you are level with their chest. Ideally, the treat should be at least 15 cm away from them.

When you see them getting excited, but they are still in the sitting position, say "GOOD", and quickly deliver the reward to them without them getting up.

Day 5

Start by asking your dog to Sit.

Lower the treat (kibble) or toy further, until you can touch your hand to the floor. Ideally, the treat should be at least 15 cm away from them.

When you see them getting excited, but they are still in the sitting position, say "GOOD", and quickly deliver the reward to them without them getting up.

Day 6

Start by asking your dog to Sit.

It's time to increase the value of the treat or a toy! For example, instead of kibble try using chicken or cheese until you can lower their favourite things past them to the floor without them budging. Excited wiggling is ok as long as their butt stays planted on the ground.

When you see them getting excited, but they are still in the sitting position, say "GOOD", and quickly deliver the reward to them without them getting up.