Polite Greeting - Go Say Hello

Try this simple (and polite!) greeting behavior: the hand touch.

Teaching your dog to gently touch a person’s hand with their nose gives them a clear, appropriate way to say hello,without the chaos.

Here’s how to teach it:

Start with “Touch”

Hold your hand a few inches from your dog’s nose. When they move forward and make contact, mark (“yes” or click) and reward. Repeat until they’re intentionally reaching for your hand.

Add the cue

Once it’s consistent, say “Touch” right before they make contact.

Practice with people

Have a friend offer their hand low and still. Cue “Touch,” then reward when your dog makes contact.

Use it in real greetings

As someone approaches, ask for “Touch.” Over time, your dog will start offering it naturally instead of jumping!

Pro tip: If your dog jumps, simply remove attention and try again—give them another chance to succeed.

This is one of my favorite skills because it:

✔ Replaces jumping with a polite behavior

✔ Gives dogs a clear “job” during greetings

✔ Builds confidence—especially for shy or unsure dogs

A calm, confident greeting makes all the difference—for both dogs and people