How to Stop Your Dog From Jumping on People: The Method That Actually Works
If your dog jumps on guests or gets overly excited during greetings, you’re dealing with one of the most common canine behavior issues. The good news? You don’t have to yell, pull on the leash, or wrestle your dog to the ground to fix it.
As a pit bull behavior specialist and founder of The Pit Bull Doctor, I teach owners a simple, reliable technique that creates calm greetings in minutes. It stops jumping, reduces excitement, and helps your dog stay focused — even around new people.
The method is called “Go Say Hi.”
This cue gives your dog a predictable, structured way to greet humans politely. And best of all, it works for all breeds but is especially powerful for strong, enthusiastic dogs like pit bulls.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to teach it, why it works, and how you can start using it today.
Why Dogs Jump on People During Greetings
Searches for “how to stop my dog from jumping” are extremely common and for good reason. Jumping is usually the result of:
Excitement
Anticipation of attention
Lack of a clear greeting routine
Human reinforcement (even unintentionally)
Your dog isn’t being dominant or disrespectful. They simply don’t know what else to do with their energy. Jumping is their default pattern.
To change that pattern, you need structure — not punishment.
Introducing the “Go Say Hi” Cue
“Go say hi” is a short, intentional greeting that teaches your dog to:
Approach a person calmly
Keep all four paws on the floor
Return to you immediately for a reward
Because the reward comes from you, not the person, your dog stays focused instead of spiraling into excitement.
This method is fast, controlled, and extremely effective for dogs who:
Jump on guests
Struggle with impulse control
Get overstimulated around new people
Need a predictable routine to stay calm
How to Teach Your Dog Calm Greetings (Step-by-Step)
1. Start With High-Value Food
Before greetings start, load your hand with soft, high-value treats. Your dog needs a reason to stay regulated — food is the anchor.
2. Ask for Stillness First
This can be a sit, a moment of eye contact, or simply a pause. This step teaches your dog to begin greetings in a calm state instead of a chaotic one.
3. Say “Go Say Hi!”
Release your dog toward the person for a quick 2–5 second greeting. The short duration is crucial — long greetings lead to overstimulation and jumping.
4. Call Your Dog Back Immediately
Say their name and cue the return. When they come back with four paws on the floor, reward generously.
Your dog learns:
Greet → Return → Get rewarded.
This pattern rewires the brain away from jumping.
5. Repeat Until Calmness Takes Over
Within two or three rounds, most dogs naturally settle. Structure reduces chaos.
Why the “Go Say Hi” Method Works
This cue stops jumping because it:
Redirects excitement into a structured task
Keeps your dog focused on you instead of the guest
Rewards calm behavior automatically
Gives the greeting a clear beginning and end
Reduces overstimulation by limiting interaction time
Most owners notice improvement immediately, even with highly excitable dogs.
When to Use This Technique
Use “go say hi” anytime your dog greets:
Guests at the door
Friends or family
Kids or elderly individuals
Strangers during walks
People at cafés, patios, or dog-friendly stores
Consistency builds muscle memory. Soon, polite greetings become your dog’s default behavior.
Common Mistakes That Keep the Problem Going
If your dog is still jumping, check for these errors:
Guests giving your dog attention before you give permission
Greeting sessions lasting too long
No food reward to anchor the dog
Too much talking, yelling, or hype during greetings
Inconsistent routines
The “go say hi” method eliminates all of these by giving everyone a clear plan.
Need More Help With Manners or Social Skills?
If you’re struggling with jumping, leash pulling, reactivity, or impulse control, my training programs at The Pit Bull Doctor are designed specifically for pit bull owners.
I offer:
Customized coaching
Board & train programs
In-home sessions
Maintenance plans
Behavior support for difficult cases
Calm, polite greetings start with clarity — and this cue gives your dog exactly that.
Final Thoughts from the pit bull doctor
Stopping your dog from jumping on people doesn’t require force, yelling, or embarrassment. With the right structure, your dog can learn to greet politely, calmly, and confidently.
The “Go Say Hi” method is simple to teach, easy to maintain, and extremely effective for energetic dogs, especially pit bulls.
If you want help implementing this structure or want professional guidance tailored to your dog, I’d love to work with you.