Stop the Jumping: How to Train Polite Greetings Before Your Holiday Guests Arrive
The holidays are coming. You’re picturing a cozy evening with friends and family... but then you remember the doorbell.
You have a vision of your aunt arriving with a tray of drinks, only to be tackled by your 60lb "greeting missile." It’s embarrassing, it’s stressful, and it usually ends with you apologizing while wrestling your dog into another room.
Many owners think their dog jumps to be dominant or "bad." The truth? They just want to say hello.
Dogs greet face-to-face. Jumping is their way of trying to reach your level to connect. The problem is, we often accidentally train them to do it. We push them down (touch), we yell "OFF!" (attention), and we do a little dance (excitement). To a dog, that's a party!
Here is your 3-step plan to design a calmer greeting before the turkey is served.
1. Stop "Hoping" and Start Managing
The biggest mistake owners make is opening the door and hoping the dog won't jump this time. Hope is not a strategy.
If your dog has a history of jumping, they will jump. You need a physical safety net.
The Leash is Your Best Friend: When you know guests are coming, put your dog on a leash 10 minutes before they arrive.
The "Tether" Technique: Alternatively, tether the leash to a heavy piece of furniture near the entryway (but far enough away that they can't make contact with the door).
This isn't punishment; it's management. It physically prevents the dog from rehearsing the bad behavior (jumping on Grandma) and keeps everyone safe.
2. The Golden Rule: "Four on the Floor"
We need to change the criteria for attention.
The Rule: Attention, eye contact, and petting only happen when all four paws are on the ground.
The Consequence: As soon as two paws leave the ground, the human becomes a tree. Cross your arms, look at the ceiling, and turn your back. The "party" instantly stops.
The Reward: The second those paws hit the floor again, calmly praise and offer a treat low to the ground.
3. The "Treat Scatter" (The Secret Weapon)
This is my favorite "cheat code" for high-energy greeters. It uses gravity to your advantage.
You can't jump up if your nose is glued to the ground searching for food.
Prep the Door: Keep a jar of high-value treats on a shelf right by your front door.
The Arrival: When guests walk in, do not ask your dog to Sit (it's too hard for an excited dog to hold).
The Move: Immediately toss a handful of treats onto the floor away from the guest.
The Result: Your dog immediately engages their nose to find the food (which is calming) and keeps "four on the floor" by default. This buys your guests time to take off their coats and settle in without being assaulted.
Instead of correcting your puppy a dozen times, offer them another mission instead!
It’s Not Just About Manners—It’s About Safety
Jumping might be cute when it's just you, but it becomes a liability when it's a child or an elderly relative.
If your dog’s excitement at the door feels uncontrollable, or if the "Treat Scatter" isn't enough to distract them, you might need a more structured protocol involving Place Training or impulse control work.
Let’s get your dog guest-ready before the holidays hit.
