Your Dog Isn't Bad. They're Just Really, Really Excited.
If you've started warning guests at the door, apologizing before anyone even gets inside, or wearing clothes you don't mind getting dirty — jumping has already changed how you live with your dog. The good news: this is one of the most fixable behaviors there is.
Behavior Severity Level
Severity: Moderate
What you may be seeing
- Jumping up on guests immediately upon entry — no calming down first
- Jumping on family members during morning greetings, meal prep, or anytime the dog is excited
- Muddy paw prints on clothing, walls, or children on a regular basis
- Jumping that escalates when the person tries to push them down or say "off"
- A dog who has knocked down a child, elderly person, or someone who wasn't expecting it
- Jumping that varies by person — perfectly behaved with some people, wild with others
- Inability to hold a sit or down when someone approaches the front door
- Jumping during walks when greeting other people on the trail
- Over-arousal that triggers jumping — any excitement (leash, toys, food) sets it off
- A dog who has never reliably been taught an incompatible greeting behavior like a sit or four-on-the-floor
What Is Jumping on People?
Jumping on people is the number one manners complaint we hear from Scottsdale dog owners — and it's the one that most people underestimate until it becomes a real problem. When a 12-pound puppy stands up to greet you, it's adorable. When a 70-pound Labrador does it to your 80-year-old mother-in-law, it's a liability.
Here's what's actually happening: your dog jumps because it works. They jump, they get attention — even negative attention, even "no," even a push away — and the behavior is reinforced. Dogs don't care whether the attention is positive or negative; they care that they got it.
Jumping almost always starts in puppyhood, when the behavior is cute enough that no one stops it. Then the puppy grows, the jumping intensifies, and suddenly the family is trying to undo months of accidental reinforcement while everyone in the household is doing something different.
The fix is straightforward but requires consistency across everyone in the household — and that's where having a professional build the framework really helps.
Partners Dogs has been training Arizona dogs through every kind of jumping on people case for 28+ years. Two locations in Scottsdale and Cave Creek. Lifetime trainer support included with every board-and-train program.
Recommended Programs for Jumping on People
Foundation Camp
21-day board & train. From $3,299. Best for foundational obedience + general manners work.
Learn more →Behavior Camp
4-6 week immersive board & train. From $5,929. Best fit for jumping on people and other behavior cases.
Learn more →Transform Camp
Premium immersive program. From $8,509. For owners who want the most thorough rehabilitation.
Learn more →Not sure which fits? Take our program decision tool or complete the PD360 assessment.