Best Commands to Stop Your Dog From Jumping Up

The best command is one that tells your dog what to do instead of jumping, such as “sit” or “four on the floor.” We recommend choosing a cue you can teach consistently and rewarding your dog when all four paws stay on the ground, especially during greetings when jumping is most tempting.

“Sit” works well if your dog already knows it and can hold the position around people, while “four on the floor” may be a better fit for a dog who finds sitting difficult or gets too excited to stay seated. Either way, the goal is to make a calm greeting more rewarding than jumping up, rather than relying on repeated scolding or pushing your dog away.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating choose a command for an alternative behavior.

Start in a quiet room with your dog on the floor, say your chosen cue once, and reward the behavior immediately with a small treat, praise, or another reward your dog enjoys. Practice in short sessions, gradually adding movement and excitement only after your dog can respond reliably in the easier setting.

Next, practice approaching your dog as a visitor might, rewarding before excitement turns into jumping and stepping back if your dog needs a reset. If your dog jumps, pause the greeting without pushing or scolding, wait for four paws to return to the floor, and then give another opportunity to earn a reward.

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Ask family members and visitors to follow the same routine: wait for your dog’s paws to be on the floor, then offer attention or a treat while your dog remains grounded. If a visitor is uncomfortable or your dog is too excited to respond, use a leash, gate, or separate room to give everyone space and practice again at an easier distance.

We suggest keeping rewards near the door so you can reinforce good choices before a greeting becomes overwhelming, and letting your dog take breaks when needed. For a fuller routine, read our guide to stopping dog jumping with polite greetings.

Our Stop the Jumping! The Ultimate Dog Manners Checklist is a digital dog training guide focused on manners and positive reinforcement, making it a natural companion to your greeting practice. Use your chosen cue in everyday situations, such as when you come home or your dog meets a familiar person, so the same expectation applies beyond formal training sessions.

Progress at your dog’s pace: if the cue falls apart around visitors, return to a quieter setup and reward success before trying again. If jumping is intense, someone could be injured, or your dog shows signs of fear or aggression, our team recommends seeking help from a qualified, reward-based trainer or veterinary behavior professional.