If your dog launches at guests the moment the door opens, it’s not rudeness or dominance—it’s overexcitement plus a learned greeting habit. Dogs jump because it has worked before (attention happens fast), and doorways are peak-arousal moments.
The fix is straightforward: manage the greeting + teach an incompatible behavior.
Why Dogs Jump on Guests
1. Excitement Overload (Most Common)
New people = movement, voices, smells. Excitement spikes and impulse control drops.
2. Attention Was the Reward
Even “No!” or pushing away is attention. Your dog learned: jumping gets reactions.
3. Height-Seeking Instinct
Dogs naturally aim for faces when greeting. Jumping brings them closer.
4. Inconsistent Rules
Allowed with family, not with guests = confusing. Dogs repeat what sometimes works.
What NOT to Do
❌ Yell, knee, or push the dog
❌ Hold the dog back while guests pet
❌ Let guests reward jumping “just this once”
These reinforce the behavior or increase arousal.
Immediate Safety Fixes (Start Today)
1. Manage the Doorway
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Use a baby gate or leash before opening the door
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Don’t give your dog a chance to practice jumping
2. Coach Your Guests
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Ignore the dog completely (no eye contact, no talking)
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Hands up, turn sideways
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Attention only when four paws are on the floor
Train a Polite Greeting (Step by Step)
Step 1: Teach an Incompatible Behavior
Choose Sit or Go to Mat.
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Practice away from the door first
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Reward calm holds (2–5 seconds)
Step 2: Door Opens = Position
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Door cracks open
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If dog breaks position → door closes
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If dog holds → door opens more
The door only opens for calm behavior.
Step 3: Release to Greet
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Use a release word (“Okay”)
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Calm petting only if paws stay down
Step 4: Rehearse With Low-Stakes Practice
Practice with household members before real guests.
Boost Success Fast
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Pre-emptive exercise: short walk or sniffing before guests arrive
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High-value rewards: pay well for calm greetings
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Short greetings: end on success, not chaos
If Your Dog Is Very Large or Hyper
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Use a front-clip harness for control
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Keep greetings brief and structured
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Add impulse-control games daily (sit-for-things, wait-at-doors)
How Long Until It Works?
With consistency:
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Noticeable improvement in days
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Reliable greetings in 2–3 weeks
Inconsistency is the #1 reason jumping persists.
Final Takeaway
Jumping is a greeting habit, not a character flaw. Replace excitement with structure, reward calm choices, and manage entrances—and your dog will learn that polite gets the party.
🐾 Four paws on the floor earns the door.