How to teach “four-on-the-floor”

Training your dog “four-on-the-floor” is helpful to prevent unwanted jumping by teaching them to have all four feet on the floor. In addition to making greetings safer and more enjoyable, it will also help reduce frustration and excitement in dogs. Always remember to be consistent and patient when training your dog.  

Here’s what you will need: 

• 6’ leash  

• Treat pouch, or bag of bite-size treats 

• High and medium-value treats 

• Clicker (optional) 

Procedure with the dog under threshold 

Being “under threshold” refers to a state where an animal is calm and relaxed enough that they can exhibit normal behaviours without exhibiting signs of fear, anxiety or stress. 

1. Begin by approaching the dog, taking a couple steps in their direction. 
2. With a treat in hand, if the dog is not displaying any unwanted behaviours (ex. jumping, pawing, barking etc.), mark (click or “Yes”), toss a treat on the ground in front of the dog. For this exercise, do not feed from the hand. 
3. Take a few steps in the opposite direction away from the dog. 
4. If the dog remains on “all fours” and is quiet, take another step towards them. Mark and reward by tossing/dropping treat on the floor while ensuring the dog’s feet remain on the floor. 
5. Continue steps 1-4 several times. Keep sessions short. 
6. Do this multiple times a day for consistency. 

If you are trying to teach “four-on-the-floor” while the dog is over-aroused (ex. jumping up, barking), follow the steps below: 

1. While dog is already excited/ jumping etc. remain standing and still. Only turn away if the dog continually jumps, rather than jumps and leaves paws up, as movement may increase jumping.
2. With a treat in hand, put hand directly to the dog’s nose and lure downwards. The moment the dog’s paws hit the floor, mark (click or “Yes”) and reward by dropping the treat on the floor. 
3. While the dog is jumping, try not to give attention to the behaviour. Avoid saying “Off” or “Down” or “No.” Simply stay still and lure dog into four feet on the floor position. 
4. If the dog continues to jump, it may be appropriate to step on their leash or hook your thumb in their collar. 
5. Continue to reward the dog periodically if they remain with their four feet on the floor. 

Note: If a dog is displaying mouthy behaviour, please see the “De-escalation and Redirection Techniques for Dogs” resource sheet. 

If your dog continues to struggle with this training, reach out to a professional trainer or behaviour consultant.  

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.