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Is Your Dog Misbehaving Around Guests? Here Are 3 Tricks You Can Try
There are a few options for when you are expecting company and you want your dog to behave. One way to guarantee the dog will not jump on your guests is to take them to a dog daycare, which is better than locking them in a room.
The other possibility is to train them well, so there will be no jumping or excitement when guests arrive. This second option takes a bit of work, and lots of practice, but is worth it when you have a well-behaved pup.
Here are 3 tricks to try so that your canine will not misbehave around your guests.
1. Remain Clam
Your dog will pick up cues on behavior from you. They are like children and sponges; they soak up your moods. If you are excited when company comes over, they think “Yes!” and jump around. If you are calm, they are more likely to be calm as well.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice
Enlist the help of friends, family or some children in the neighborhood who would like to help you train your puppy. Meet them outside and allow your dog to meet them. Be sure not to let the dog jump on the helpers.
Enter your home and keep the leash on the dog and go in the kitchen or another room. Have the guests count up to 20 or 50 and then have them ring the door bell. If your dog gets excited, make him or her sit before walking to the door. This may take a few attempts, but once they sit consistently, praise them.
Have the pup sit again at the door. Do not open the door until your dog is sitting calmly. You can also have the guests ring the bell a few times to show your canine there is no need to get excited. Then open the door and ask the people to come inside. Here again, make sure you have good control of your dog and don’t let them jump on the guests.
You will need to practice this over and over again, for weeks before it is imprinted into their mind.
3. Distraction
If you need to, use a baby gate to keep your pooch in another room, but not completely closed off. This is the time to break out the new toys and yummy treats. Your dog will be busy enjoying the new items, especially if they are the puzzle type, so you can enjoy your company.
Puzzle type toys have the dog work to get a treat out of a tiny space or under a button they must turn. Don’t worry, they will get the hang of this and you may need to replace it with a harder puzzle toy for a while.
Dogs, like children, learn at different rates, so do not become discouraged if it takes a while for your dog to stop jumping on guests. Some dogs are simply “friendlier” than other breeds and will continue to jump on a guest. If this is the case, separation is the best alternative to having your guests get upset.
