How to stop a dog from getting too excited with visitors?
Rasheed Johnson
2025-06-26 11:44:07
Count answers
: 10
To help your dog to settle when new people come to visit it’s a good idea to have a safe space that your dog can happily settle in, away from the excitement. Giving your dog a good walk beforehand will help him/her to relax, since they will have burned off any excess energy. A tired dog will find it easier to switch off and relax in their safe space. Try and get your dog used to spending short periods of time alone in their quiet place so that it’s a normal event. You can also use a dog gate or barrier to reduce the risk of any unwanted physical contact between your visitor and your dog. Create a happy distance by tossing some treats away from where you are, which will encourage your dog to accept some distance. If your dog is super keen to greet your visitor or to ward them off, then choose a high value treat that your dog can’t resist and slowly toss the treats farther and farther away. Additionally, giving your dog something to do, such as delicious long-lasting chews and enrichment toys, can help your dog to calm down and relax. Doorbell training can also help, by training your dog to accept the doorbell as nothing but a boring sound. Meeting outside first can also be helpful, as the novelty of meeting someone new can be easier for your dog to process outside of the home.