My dog thinks everyone is a long-lost friend… Any training tips?

[PetsNPaws]

Hi everyone,
I love my dog, but he’s got this slightly embarrassing habit of jumping on everyone he meets. Visitors, neighbors, random people on the street—he treats them all like old friends he hasn’t seen in years.
I’ve tried telling him “no,” using treats, and even some gentle pushing, but nothing really sticks. It’s getting a bit out of hand, and I’m starting to feel like the host of a very bouncy welcome party every time someone comes over!
Has anyone successfully trained their dog to keep all four paws on the floor? I’d really appreciate tips, tricks, or even funny stories about your own “enthusiastic” pups.

I am currently working on impulse control, training so that mine knows he gets what he wants when he is calm.
I use a long line to restrain him and then I throw a ball. He is released to get the ball when he is calm and gives eye contact. If he’s pulling, lunging, barking or crying then he doesn’t get released.
You can do something similar using a long line and visitors a short distance, he gets to say hello when he’s calm and not before.
What is he like in other aspects? Does he respect thresholds as an example, I.e. not barging through door ways etc?

Haha, I feel you—mine used to launch himself like a furry rocket at every guest! What finally worked was teaching a “sit” at the door and ignoring the pogo-stick routine completely. It took a few weeks, but now he greets people like a polite gentleman (well… most of the time).

If this happens at home, use a house lead and stand on it to prevent jumping.

If it happens outside, just stand on the lead to do the same.

Release when calm.

Tradesmen who visit my house when I’m not home ring me to warn me that my Labrador is a useless guard dog.

He gets leashed when visitors arrive and isn’t released until everyone is settled in and calm. We tried for years to train him to be calm when people came through our gate and nothing worked. He’s just too excited about new friends. It’s tiresome, but I guess there are worse problems to have!

Oh, I know this one all too well! My dog practically launches himself like a furry rocket at anyone who makes eye contact. What worked best for us was keeping a lead on him when guests arrived so I had a bit more control, then lots of praise when he stayed grounded. It’s slow progress, but we’re getting there.