No jumping: polite greetings for a calmer dog

• High-value treats (small, soft, and easy for your dog to eat quickly)
• A quiet space to start, then gradually add distractions
• A lead (for practicing in distracting environments)

• Build a Solid Sit: Begin by throwing a treat a short distance away from you. As your dog walks back towards you, ask for a “Sit”. Reward them when their bum touches the ground. Repeat this to build a strong habit.
• Add Distractions Gradually: Once your dog can reliably sit, start introducing minor distractions. For example, make small movements with your arms or take a step back, always rewarding your dog for staying in a sit.
• Manage Jumping (If it happens): If your dog jumps up, use a mild verbal correction like “Ah-ah” and walk away from them. This teaches them that jumping makes the fun stop. Only re-engage when they are calm.
• Practice Out & About: When you’re in public, ask your dog to sit as people walk by. You can use their lead to gently prevent them from jumping towards other people, reinforcing the calm behaviour.

Polite Visitor Greetings:

• Set Up the Safe Zone: Before your guests arrive, place your dog in a secure area behind a baby gate or inside a crate. Give them a high-value item, like a filled hoof or a stuffed Kong, to channel their anticipation into a calming chewing activity.

• Initial Separation: Ensure your dog has no access to the front door or the guests during the initial entry. Let your guests come inside, take off their coats, and cross the threshold without the pressure of an intense, chaotic greeting.

• Supervised Leash Greeting: Bring your dog out on a lead, maintaining a comfortable distance from the guests—such as keeping your dog back while your guests settle into the kitchen or living room with a cuppa. Instruct everyone to completely ignore the dog until the dog’s excitement level drops. You can drop a few treats on their bed to help give them a job to do while their energy level lowers.

• Reward Calm & Interact: Wait for your dog to put all four paws on the floor or settle into a calm sit. Immediately reward this relaxed behaviour with a treat or calm praise. Your guests can now carefully interact with the dog, as long as the dog remains settled.

Once your dog is thoroughly calm and relaxed, you can remove the lead. However, if they tend to get easily re-excited by sudden movements or loud conversations, keep a lightweight puppy house line trailing on them. This allows you to safely step on or pick up the line to interrupt any sudden jumping before it happens.

• Consistency is key! Everyone who interacts with your dog should follow the same rules.
• Reward the “four paws on the floor”! Whenever your dog offers a calm sit instead of jumping, praise them.
• Prevent jumping before it starts. Anticipate situations where your dog might jump and proactively ask for a sit.
• Keep initial interactions with visitors calm and controlled. Don’t allow your dog to rush forward.