There’s something about the sound of the doorbell that turns even the calmest dog into an excitable mess. Whether it’s barking, spinning in circles, or launching themselves at the nearest person, greeting visitors can be an overwhelming experience for both the dog and the guests.
Dogs naturally get excited when new people enter their space, and without guidance, they’ll express that excitement in whatever way feels right to them, jumping, barking, running laps around the house. Some dogs even become anxious, unsure of how to handle the situation.
The key to polite greetings is giving your dog a clear routine to follow. Teaching a "place" command is one of the best ways to manage this. Before opening the door, ask your dog to go to their designated spot (a bed, mat, or crate). Reward them for staying there while the visitor enters. This helps create structure and teaches your dog that remaining calm leads to positive outcomes.
For dogs who struggle with impulse control, keeping them on a lead for initial greetings can prevent them from rushing toward guests. Encourage visitors to ignore excitable behaviour and only give attention when the dog is calm.
Overexcitement often builds up when a dog has too much pent-up energy, so ensuring they have enough physical exercise and mental stimulation before guests arrive can make a big difference. A quick training session, food puzzle, or chew toy before greetings can help them settle more easily.
Some dogs are nervous rather than overexcited when greeting new people. For these dogs, forcing interactions can increase anxiety. Letting them approach on their own terms, using treats to create positive associations, and giving them the option to retreat if needed will help them feel more comfortable.
By providing a clear greeting routine and rewarding calm behaviour, you can teach your dog that welcoming visitors doesn’t have to be a chaotic event.
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