Puppies are naturally enthusiastic, affectionate, and eager to connect — and that often means jumping up when meeting new people! While this behaviour is cute at first, it can quickly become a problem as your puppy grows. Teaching calm greetings early is one of the best ways to encourage polite manners for life.
Why Puppies Jump
Jumping is simply your puppy’s way of saying hello and seeking attention. In the wild, young dogs greet older pack members by licking their faces — so jumping up to reach your face feels instinctive to them. They’re not being “naughty”; they just haven’t learned what earns them attention yet.
How to Teach Calm Greetings
Here are a few simple techniques you can use:
Ignore the jump – When your puppy jumps, turn your body away and avoid eye contact. Attention (even saying “no”) can reinforce the behaviour. Reward calm behaviour – The moment all four paws are on the ground, crouch down and calmly say hello. Give praise or a treat. Teach an alternative – Ask your puppy to sit before greeting someone. This gives them a simple action to focus on instead of jumping. Be consistent – Everyone in the household (and your visitors!) should follow the same rule — no attention for jumping, only calm greetings. Set up practice sessions – Arrange calm meet-and-greets with friends or family members. Practice short, structured sessions so your puppy learns that good manners bring attention and rewards.
Bonus Tip: Use Calm Role Models 🐶
If you have a calm, well-socialised dog at home (like Holy here at Chrysidis Pet Care), they can help teach your puppy by example. Puppies learn a lot by observing how confident adult dogs behave around people.
When to Seek Help
If your puppy is struggling to settle, or excitement turns to anxiety or frustration, working with a positive, force-free trainer can make all the difference.
At Chrysidis Pet Care, I offer a calm, crate-free environment where puppies and anxious dogs can socialise safely with patient guidance and structured play. My goal is to help each dog feel secure, loved, and confident around new people.
🐕🦺 Chrysidis Pet Care Services
📍 Based in Bensham, Gateshead – calm, home-based care for anxious and rescue dogs.
Dog Boarding: £41/night (adult dogs) | £45/night (puppies) Dog Day Care: £29/day (adult dogs) | £33/day (puppies) Dog Walking: £18/walk (after 4pm) Trial Days Available | Medication Administration | Photo/Video Updates
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