Jumping up is one of the most common spaniel behaviour problems — and one of the most misunderstood. Most spaniels jump up because they’re excited, social, and impulsive (not because they’re being “dominant”). If jumping is repeated and rewarded (even accidentally), it becomes a habit that your dog practises automatically whenever they feel aroused.
This hub explains why spaniels jump up, how to stop it without conflict, and how to train calm greetings and better impulse control in everyday life.
Key guides in this section
Start here: stop jumping up (people manners)
Spaniel jumping ability (helpful context)
Related behaviour hubs
Related training hubs
Why spaniels jump up (the real reasons)
Jumping up is usually driven by one or more of these:
- greeting excitement (people = fun)
- attention seeking (jumping gets a reaction)
- over-arousal (your dog can’t regulate)
- frustration (wants something now)
- learned habit (it’s been rewarded repeatedly)
Jumping is self-reinforcing — it’s physical, energising, and often gets results.
When jumping becomes a problem
Jumping is more than annoying — it can become unsafe if:
- your spaniel jumps up at children or older people
- your dog scratches skin or ruins clothing
- your spaniel jumps at guests, delivery workers, or strangers
- your dog jumps up in muddy paws after walks
- you have a mouthy/jumpy combination (nipping)
Fixing it is worthwhile because it improves manners, safety, and calmness in the home.
Start here: the plan that stops jumping (in the right order)
Step 1: Stop accidentally rewarding it
Most owners reinforce jumping without realising:
- talking to the dog while they jump
- touching them (even pushing them away)
- making eye contact
- “battling” the dog off your body
- rewarding after the dog jumps and then sits (timing mistake)
Your goal: jumping = boring, calm = rewarding.
Step 2: Teach a replacement behaviour
The easiest replacement behaviours are:
✅ Sit to say hello
✅ Go to bed / place
✅ Four paws on the floor (mark and reward)
Pick one and train it consistently. If you swap between multiple options too early, you’ll get confusion.
Step 3: Train calm greetings as a skill
This is the key difference between “telling a dog off” and actually fixing the problem.
A simple plan:
- Approach the dog calmly
- If paws stay down → reward
- If dog jumps → step back / remove attention
- Repeat until calm is the behaviour that works
You’re teaching: calm gets access.
Step 4: Practise with controlled setups (not real guests)
Use simple reps:
- family member enters and exits repeatedly
- practise at the front door
- practise after the walk when your dog is more excitable
- practise with the lead on for control
Short sessions create faster progress than trying to “fix it” during chaotic moments.
Step 5: Add impulse control training
Jumping often improves dramatically when your spaniel learns:
- waiting
- settling
- calm focus
- not grabbing instantly
➡️ /spaniel-training/impulse-control/
How to stop jumping in common real-world situations
When you come home
- ignore jumping completely (no talk, no touch)
- wait for 4 paws down
- reward calm (or ask for a sit)
- keep arrivals boring for a week or two
When guests arrive
Best options:
- use a lead briefly to prevent rehearsal
- have the dog behind a gate until calm
- reward for settling or “place”
- allow greetings only when calm
On walks (jumping up at you)
This is often over-arousal or frustration.
- reduce lead tension
- pause and reset
- reward calm walking for 3–5 steps at a time
➡️/spaniel-behaviour/over-arousal/and/spaniel-training/lead-walking/
Jumping for food or attention
Jumping works because it gets results.
- change the rules: reward calm, ignore jumping
- build a “wait” habit before meals, toys, doors
Common mistakes that keep jumping going
Avoid these if you want fast progress:
- pushing the dog down (still attention)
- repeating “down!” while the dog is excited
- allowing some people to reward jumping (“I don’t mind!”)
- rewarding too late (dog jumps, then sits, then gets fuss)
- trying to fix it only when guests arrive
Consistency is everything here — spaniels learn patterns quickly.