Australian Shepherds are enthusiastic, affectionate, and highly social—but that enthusiasm can lead to some unwanted behavior, especially jumping on people. While it might seem harmless (or even cute) when they’re small, jumping can become a problem as they grow stronger and more excitable.

The good news? With some consistency, redirection, and the right training methods, you can teach your Aussie to greet people politely instead of leaping up every time someone walks through the door.

Why Do Australian Shepherds Jump on People?

Jumping is a common behavior among young, energetic dogs. For Aussies in particular, it’s often a mix of:

Excitement: They can’t contain their energy when seeing someone they love.

Seeking attention: Jumping often works—it gets a reaction.

Lack of training: If not taught otherwise, they may think it’s acceptable.

Overstimulation: Herding breeds often react to movement, and visitors create a flurry of activity.

Step-by-Step: Training Your Aussie to Stop Jumping

1. Ignore the Jumping

The most important thing is not to reward the behavior. Don’t push your dog away, yell, or talk to them—it’s all attention, and that’s what they want.

Instead, turn your back, cross your arms, and don’t say a word. Once all four paws are on the floor, calmly reward with attention or a treat.

2. Teach an Alternative Greeting

Replace jumping with a behavior you do want.

Ask for a “sit” every time someone enters the room.

Only reward with praise or petting once your dog is sitting calmly.

Practice this daily with family members and friends.

3. Use a Leash for Controlled Greetings

Keep your dog on a leash when guests arrive so you can gently guide them into a sit or redirect them.

Step on the leash to prevent jumping.

Ask for a calm sit.

If they break the sit and jump, turn away or have the guest leave briefly.

4. Reward Calmness Often

Don’t just wait for people to arrive—practice calm greetings daily. Reward your Aussie for approaching you without jumping, sitting quietly, or even lying down.

Managing the Environment

Until your Aussie has mastered polite greetings:

Put them behind a baby gate or in a playpen when guests arrive.

Use the crate if your dog is crate-trained.

Keep greetings low-energy. Ask guests not to hype your dog up during arrivals.

A Reader’s Story: From Chaos to Calm

Melissa from Oregon wrote in about her one-year-old Aussie, Luna. “She would literally jump onto people’s chests when they walked through the door—it was too much, especially for my mom who has balance issues.”

Melissa worked on having Luna sit before being greeted and used a leash during practice sessions. She rewarded every successful calm greeting with a treat. “It took about three weeks, but now Luna automatically sits when someone walks in. It’s a game-changer.”

🧠 Mental Stimulation Can Reduce Jumping

Many Aussies jump out of sheer excitement or frustration from lack of stimulation. One way to reduce that energy is by giving them a job to do.

That’s where structured brain games come in. Brain Training for Dogs is a program packed with fun challenges that reduce hyperactivity and improve overall behavior—including impulse control.

👉 Check out Brain Training for Dogs here

Final Thoughts

Jumping is normal, but that doesn’t mean it’s unchangeable. Aussies are smart and want to please—you just need to give them the tools and repetition to succeed.

With patience, redirection, and lots of positive reinforcement, your Australian Shepherd can learn to greet people politely, making life calmer and safer for everyone.