Did you know this is a pet peeve none of your guests are willing to tell you? No one likes a wild, out of control dog or puppy jumping all over them when they come in the door. Or worse begging for their food and slobbering & getting hair all over their clothes. I know, I know you’re probably thinking but my dog is soooo cute…. right? Well even if they are they should be trained how to properly greet your guests when they come into your house, or on the street.
The fact is some people are just not as animal friendly as others. Now mind you I don’t mind an over-enthusiastic dog greeting me, but some people are a little afraid of dogs and especially if you have a big dog out of control coming at your guests it can create fear & anxiety and I’m sure you don’t want that. So having Fido prepared with some training is greatly appreciated by all. Not to mention this is a great reflection on you as a pet owner, so let’s get started.
Always Be PREPARED
For now have your pets favorite small treats by the door in a container. Make sure they know where these treats are but do not have access to them under any circumstances, keep them out of reach. Pets are very intelligent they will associate these particular treats as a reward for this training.
Always Be In CONTROL
Pets are like little sponges and if they sense you are distracted then they will be also. So turn off your phone and focus on training your pet without distractions for at least 15 minutes. Next learn how to be the ALPHA (I have great teachings on this so please contact me separately if you’re interested). Make sure when you ask your pet to do something you have a more serious expression on your face and your voice is a little deeper tone than your normal speaking voice.
Train Your PET To Be CALM Before Meeting Your Guests
Always make your pet calm down before greeting people. This teaches them to be in control. Also tell your guests to greet them calmly as well, no high pitched voices as soon as them come in the door. Only after they have calmly greeted them then you can play & have high pitched voices.
REWARD Your PET For Doing What You Ask
Always reward your pet after they have done what you’ve asked. To begin a treat is a great motivator…. but don’t forget the affection & when you do give affection make sure your voice is a little higher pitched than usual and of course SMILE, SMILE SMILE. Pets respond to your happiness & this will reinforce to them when they do what they are asked it makes you happy, and trust me they want to please you.
PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!
TRAINING for Answering the doorbell. Set aside time on purpose to perfect this exercise. You will need to invite a couple of friends to help you practice. Before we start focus and let’s keep it fun! Pets always respond beautifully to positive reinforcement.
1. First things first, encourage your dog to sit whenever you enter your house before you greet them. Then when you do, greet them calmly and only when they are seated. This gets them into the habit of keeping all 4 on the floor when people come through the door.
2. Enlist the help of a friend who can remain calm even if your dog attempts his frantic friendly behavior. Have the friend calmly enter your home and stand still by the door. Ask them to give your dog the “SIT” command (your dog should already have this command mastered) before they attempt to greet them.
3. If the dog attempts to jump on your helper, have them turn their back towards the dog and even side step away from them. This prevents them from achieving success at unwanted behaviors. When their 4 feet hit the ground, praise and have your friend try again with the “SIT” command.
4. When they sit, have your helper calmly praise them with a few seconds of gentle petting. Do not use sudden or rough movements. The goal is keeping your dog as calm as possible. Then move further into the house in a relaxed manner.
5. When success has been achieved with one helper, try and find another willing helper or 2. Work up to a “real” guest! Your dog will realize that they are being rewarded with petting when they are calm and well behaved.
Behaving when company is seated. After you’ve done the above exercise and taught your pet how to greet guests at the front door. Proceed into the seated area with your guests.
1. After your guests have sat down ask them if they mind giving affection to your pet. I always ask because some people do mind.
2. If all is well instruct your pet to first SIT & be calm before they can receive affection. Only after they have relaxed themselves can they be petted.
3. Most pets will go away and do their own thing after awhile and let you visit with your guests… but in case you have pushy pet that wants to be the center of attention all of the time (you know who you are 🙂 have their favorite chew toy ready just in case to preoccupy them while you visit. This way they can still be in the room.
4. If that doesn’t do it and they are still being persistent. Order them away from the guests in your ALPHA tone so they know you mean business & direct them to their dog bed or put them into another room.
5. I prefer the pet be in the vicinity of the guests instead of being put away so that they learn how to behave & feel they are a part of things, but if you need to please put them away for everyones sake of being considerate.
6. When it’s time for your guests to go, invite your pet over get them to SIT and receive a final pet goodbye from your guests. This will again make your pet feel included & invited to participate as long as they behave themselves.
7. Now lastly, before your guests leave offer a roller brush to remove your pets excess hair from off of their clothing. It’s just a polite way to care for your guests & make everyone feel respected.
If you would like more in depth training for your pet schedule your in-home pet session today & get the help you need, want & deserve 🙂 we’re more than happy to resolve your pet challenges today (310) 743-9643
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