[INTRO]Ever had that heart-stopping moment when Fido launches straight for your guest’s lap? You love the enthusiasm, but your guests might not appreciate a face-full of wet dog kisses. Fortunately, with a little patience and playful strategy, you can teach Rover the polite way to greet visitors.
Dogs jump on guests for lots of reasons: excitement, lack of manners, or simply because they’ve learned jumping gets attention. But we’ve got your back—no more embarrassment at the door!
Why Do Dogs Jump on Guests?
First, let's break it down. Jumping is your dog’s way of saying “I love you!” or “You’re new and exciting!” But when that enthusiasm turns into thrusting limbs and muddy paws, it’s time to redirect their energy into something more polite and guest-friendly.
Step 1: Teach a Better Greeting — “Sit” & “Stay”
Start training when your dog is calm. Practice sits and stays with lots of praise and tasty treats. Then have someone enter while your dog is already sitting. Reward the sit and only let your dog greet them when they're relaxed. This consistency retrains their expectation.
Step 2: Use Distractions at the Door
Guests = distractions. That’s okay. Try using The Pupsicle as a tasty focus treat. Stuff it with a calming mix or peanut butter and let your dog work on it while you greet guests. It’s fun, slow, and it keeps their paws grounded.
Step 3: Offer an Alternative Behavior
If jumping is the habit, give your dog a new one. Teach them to go to a mat or bed when someone arrives. You can reward that behavior with a lickmat loaded with delicious Calming LickMix. Redirecting energy into something positive fosters good manners—and keeps your guests’ socks clean.
Step 4: Consistency Is Key
Every family member and guest must follow the same rules. If one person lets the dog jump, it undoes the training. It might feel strict, but repetition and rewards help your pup understand the new routine faster.
Step 5: Preventive Setup
Before guests arrive, give your dog a walk or a quick training session to burn off excess energy. Then set them up with a treat tray—like the Pupsicle Treat Tray—in their spot. It keeps them busy and calm when the doorbell rings.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog’s excitement spirals into over-the-top jumping or nipping, consider working with a certified trainer. But for most pups, a consistent plan, tasty distractions, and gentle guidance are all you need.
Summary: Polite Paws = Happy Visits
Breaking the jumping habit doesn’t happen overnight, but with kindness, consistency, and a little clever redirection—like using The Pupsicle or a Calming LickMix—you’ll soon have well-mannered greetings. Your guests will feel welcomed, and your dog will learn that good behavior earns the best rewards.
Ready to elevate your dog’s greeting game? Set them up for success with tools like The Pupsicle, Calming LickMix, and the Pupsicle Treat Tray—because every polite pup deserves a proper welcome!
