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Updated 2026-09-21

Polite greetings

Replace jumping at people with four paws on the floor by rewarding the behaviour you want.

Dogs2–4 minutes
Dog and guardian demonstrating reward-based polite greetings
Four-stage reward-based training progression: set up, mark, reward and progress
Set up an easy success, mark the wanted choice, reward promptly and add only one small challenge at a time.

Step by step

  1. Step 1

    Reward the default

    Before any greeting, reward the dog repeatedly for standing or sitting near you.

  2. Step 2

    Add a calm approach

    The helper approaches slowly and stops the moment the dog's paws leave the floor, then waits.

  3. Step 3

    Reward on the ground

    As soon as paws return, the helper steps in and greets calmly while you reward low, near the floor.

  4. Step 4

    Increase excitement

    Only add livelier greetings, doorways or new people once the calm version is easy.

Troubleshooting

  • Keep greetings short; excitement builds quickly.
  • If the dog cannot settle at all, increase distance and greet after a sniffing walk.