How to Stop Your Dog Jumping Up: The Real Secret for Rugby Dog Owners by Anna Hope
Let’s set the scene: the doorbell rings, your heart sinks, and before your guest has even stepped over the threshold, your dog has launched themselves like a furry, enthusiastic missile.
It is incredibly embarrassing, isn't it?
If you’ve ever gone down an internet rabbit hole to fix this, you’ve probably been given the classic dog training advice: "Just fold your arms, turn your back, and ignore them!"
But let's be real—how is that actually working out for you?
For most dogs, turning your back doesn't stop the jumping at all; it just means they happily use your spine as a springboard instead!
And if you try pushing them away? To a dog, that just feels like a brilliant, interactive wrestling match.
So, what is the real secret to stopping the jumping and getting back to an easy life? I
t comes down to two very different approaches depending on who the dog is jumping on:
1. When Guests Arrive (The Doorbell Madness)
When it comes to visitors, it is all about management.
You cannot successfully train a highly excited dog in the exact chaotic moment the door opens.
Instead, use barriers!
Pop your dog behind a baby gate or in another room before the front door even opens.
This prevents them from rehearsing the bad behaviour, removes the "reward" of jumping on a new person, and keeps your guests safe from muddy paws.
2. When It’s Just You (The Attention Seeker)
If your dog is jumping all over you, they are looking for one specific prize: your attention.
Even negative attention, like shouting or pushing, is still a win for them.
The quickest fix here is complete physical removal. Don't just stand there like a statue—walk away.
Step behind a door, go to another room, or simply walk into the kitchen and make a cup of tea. Completely remove your body from the equation.
They will quickly learn that the second their front paws leave the floor, their favourite human disappears. Four paws on the floor is the only way to get a hello!
Are you tired of apologising to guests for your bouncy dog?
Let’s get those manners sorted!