How to Stop Your Dog From Jumping on Guests: Teaching Calmness Series
Part 2 of Our Teaching Calmness Series | Building Bonds Dog Training
Welcome back to our Teaching Calmness Series, where we’re tackling one of the most common behavior challenges: how to stop your dog from jumping. In our last post, we focused on training your dog to stop jumping on you—a crucial first step before addressing excitement around guests. If your dog still jumps on household members, it’s important to address that first. Not sure where to start? Click the button at the bottom of the page to read Part 1 of this series.
How to Stop Your Dog from Jumping on Guests: Use Rules and Boundaries
If you're struggling with a dog that jumps on visitors, the best approach isn’t correction after the jump—it’s preventing the behavior before it happens. One of the most effective ways to stop a dog from jumping on guests is by using the “place” command. This simple yet powerful training tool teaches your dog to stay in a specific spot (like a mat or bed) and remain calm as guests arrive. Setting clear boundaries like this reinforces calm behavior and prevents overexcitement at the door—one of the most common jumping triggers in dogs.
Try this dog training tip at home:
Before guests arrive, guide your dog to a designated “place” (like a bed or mat).
Ask them to stay there and wait for calm behavior.
Only when your dog is calm and composed should they be released to greet your guests.
This not only prevents jumping but reinforces that calm behavior is rewarded—a key principle in balanced dog training.
Practice Makes Progress
Helping your dog learn to manage excitement and control impulses takes consistent practice and repetition. These skills don’t develop overnight. Your dog needs to experience clear, repeated expectations in a variety of situations—especially when distractions like guests are involved. Stay calm, be patient, and guide your dog each time with confidence. Over time, your dog will begin to understand what’s expected and start offering calm behavior on their own, without needing constant direction.
Becoming the Leader Your Dog Needs
Dogs don’t need a dominant “alpha”—they need a calm, confident human leader. That means:
Setting clear expectations
Being patient and consistent
Rewarding calm, respectful behavior
At Building Bonds Dog Training in Madison, WI, we specialize in helping dog owners build this kind of leadership at home. Whether you're working with a new puppy or an adult rescue, our custom dog training programs are designed to teach both ends of the leash.
Work with a Professional Dog Trainer Near You
If you're searching for:
“Dog trainer near me”
“How to stop my dog from jumping on guests”
“Calm dog training tips”
“Obedience training at home”
“Dog behavior specialist in Madison”
You’re in the right place.
Building Bonds Dog Training offers in-home and private dog training that helps you create lasting change through calm, respectful leadership. We don’t just train dogs—we coach people to build better relationships with their pets.
Ready to Lead Your Pack?
Book a consultation today and start your journey to becoming the calm, confident leader your dog needs.
📍 Serving Madison, Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Stoughton, Monona, Middleton, Fitchburg and Verona
📞 608-597-0800
🌐www.buildingbondsdogtraining.com
📩 Request Consultation
