Having guests over can be exciting for your dog, but their enthusiasm might sometimes be overwhelming for your visitors. Jumping, barking, or overly excited greetings can be problematic. Teaching your dog to greet guests calmly is not only polite but also essential for a peaceful and welcoming home environment.
1. Teach the “Sit and Stay” Command
Why it Matters: Teaching “sit and stay” provides your dog with a clear behavior to perform when guests arrive.
How to Train: Start by practicing “sit and stay” without distractions. Gradually build up by having someone knock on the door or ring the doorbell. Reward your dog for remaining seated and calm while practicing these commands.
Pro Tip: Consistency is key—practice this frequently with varying scenarios.
2. Practice “Place” Training
Why it Matters: Giving your dog a designated spot to go to when guests arrive helps prevent them from rushing the door.
How to Train: Pick a specific location, like a dog bed or a mat, and associate the command “place” with this location. Reward your dog for going to their designated spot and staying there as guests enter.
Pro Tip: Keep high-value treats at hand initially to reinforce this behaviour.
3. Work on Calm Door Greetings
Why it Matters: Teaching calm door manners prevents your dog from reacting to the excitement of a doorbell or guests entering.
How to Train: Practice desensitising your dog to the sound of the doorbell or knock by ringing it and rewarding them for staying calm. You can also have guests ignore your dog if they jump or bark, only giving attention when they are sitting quietly.
Pro Tip: Have a friend or family member help with mock greetings to solidify this practice.
4. Reward Calm Behaviour
Why it Matters: Reinforcing calm behaviour during guest interactions encourages your dog to repeat these actions.
How to Train: Ask guests to only pet your dog when all four paws are on the ground or when your dog is sitting. Offer treats and praise when your dog greets visitors in a calm manner.
Pro Tip: Use positive reinforcement and be patient. It may take several consistent repetitions for this behaviour to stick.
5. Manage Jumping and Overexcitement
Why it Matters: Dogs often jump out of excitement or as a way of seeking attention.
How to Train: If your dog jumps, ask guests to turn their backs and ignore them until they are calm. Avoid pushing your dog away as this can be seen as playful behaviour. Reward them once they are back on the ground.
Pro Tip: Teach your dog an alternative greeting behaviour like sitting or giving a paw.
6. Use Leashes for Extra Control
Why it Matters: In the early stages of training, a leash provides you with extra control and helps your dog understand what’s expected.
How to Train: Keep your dog on a leash and have them sit or lie down when guests enter. You can offer treats or their favourite toy to redirect their excitement.
7. Be Consistent and Patient
Why it Matters: All training requires patience and consistency, especially when changing how your dog greets new people.
How to Train: Reinforce the same commands and actions every time a guest arrives. Make sure everyone in the household follows the same guidelines so your dog doesn’t receive mixed signals.
With some practice, your dog can learn to greet guests calmly and politely, making visits more enjoyable for everyone. Teaching this behaviour not only improves their manners but also builds their self-control and confidence.
At Doggie Diplomas, we specialise in positive reinforcement training techniques to help you and your dog succeed. If your dog struggles with greeting guests calmly, contact us, we have a range of options to help you.