Why Your Puppy Jumps (And How to Fix It), by The Dog Fixer on YouTube. 11 min 51 s.
- Video length
- 11 min 51 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Watch your puppy just before they jump. Learn the small signals, like a crouch or a fast approach, so you can act before the jump starts.
Decide what the puppy gets for jumping. If jumping earns attention, petting or a game, that reward keeps the habit going. Remove it.
Make the first repetition easy. Stand still with treats ready and reward the moment all four paws are on the floor.
Add movement slowly. Take a step or two, then reward your puppy for staying down instead of leaping at you.
When a jump happens, turn away and fold your arms. Say nothing and give no eye contact, then reward the puppy once all paws are down.
Add attention in small doses. Stroke your puppy briefly while they stay on the floor, then stop before they get excited.
Sitting is optional. Reward any calm greeting with four paws down, whether the puppy sits or stands.
Tell your visitor the plan before the door opens. Ask them to stand still, avoid eye contact and only pet the puppy when all paws are on the floor.
Rehearse one short hello. Open the door, let the visitor enter, and end the greeting after a few calm seconds.
Change the scene once it works at home. Practice outside or with a new person, and track whether jumping is getting less frequent.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep practice sessions short, around two to three minutes, so your puppy stays calm and focused.
If a visitor says they do not mind jumping, still ask them to follow the plan, because mixed signals slow progress.
If your puppy jumps more than a few times in a session, make it easier by standing still or moving to a quieter room.
Never push your puppy down or knee them, as this can hurt them and often adds excitement.
Questions
Does my puppy have to sit to greet people?
No. A sit is one calm option, but standing with all four paws on the floor is fine. Reward whatever calm position your puppy offers.
How long does it take to stop jumping?
It varies with age, breed and how often jumping is rewarded. Expect weeks of short, consistent sessions rather than a quick fix.
What if my puppy jumps on people outside?
Practice the same plan in a quiet spot first. Ask strangers to stand still and ignore the puppy until all paws are down, then reward.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
