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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
Owner practising polite greetings with a relaxed pet

AI-generated editorial illustration of the subject; not a photograph of a specific animal, product or case.

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.

When to progress or pause

  1. Your target is: Replace jumping at people with four paws on the floor by rewarding the behaviour you want. Observe voluntary participation and relaxed movement, not simply completion under restraint.
  2. Use the listed session guidance (2–4 minutes) as a starting point, not a requirement to continue when the animal is tired. Finish with an achievable repetition.
  3. Change one challenge at a time: location, distraction, distance or duration. If performance deteriorates, return to an easier successful version rather than escalating pressure.
  4. Sudden refusal, pain, panic or aggression warrants professional assessment. Do not withhold essential food or force handling to obtain compliance.

Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.

Guidance libraries and further reading

These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.