Introducing your dog to new people in your home is all about managing your dog’s emotional state, as well as the expectations of your visitors. Whether your dog is indifferent to visitors, or wants to jump on everyone that comes through the door, following a set protocol will help facilitate a smooth introduction.
What you'll learn in this article:
- How to prepare visitors to meet your dog
- How to help your dog create a good association
- What to do if your dog has a history of aggression
- How to help your dog practice meeting new people
With that in mind, let’s get started!
In order to prepare your guest and dog for a successful visit:
Provide your visitors with rules prior to arriving
Tell your guests to avoid touching, talking to, or making eye contact with your dog until they are settled. This tactic is particularly helpful if your dog likes to jump on guests or is prone to accidents when someone new enters your home. The lack of engagement from the guest will help your dog control their emotions.
Help your dog develop a good association with guests
Keep treats or a toy outside your front door and ask your guests to toss the treats or toy near your dog upon entering your home. This will help your dog associate visitors with good things.
Over time, consider creating a specific spot for guests to throw the treats (e.g. a mat by the door), so your dog can learn there is a good place to be when guests enter your home.
Incorporate your dog’s safe space or crate
If you have a dog who is acclimated to a safe space or crate, you can have guests toss treats in the safe space or crate to help with the initial adjustment period.
Practice with significant others, roommates or friends
To help your dog get used to guests coming over, have someone exit and enter your home. This will help you and your dog practice for when actual guests come over.
Be safe
If your dog has any history of aggression (e.g. biting, nipping, growling, etc) towards people, we recommend having your guests meet your dog outside. When outside, have your guests throw treats on the ground near them. This will help your dog develop a better association with your guests.
When you eventually go into your home, keep your dog on a leash or tether them for the duration of the visit. If your dog is muzzle trained, have them wear a muzzle. You can never be too careful when it comes to safety.
Refrain from using punishment
Remember, while it may be tempting to yell “off” or ask your guests to turn their back on your jumping dog, these types of punishments rarely work to deter undesirable behaviors. This is because the action (e.g. yelling) probably won’t change your dog’s underlying emotional response to your guests’ arrival, and consequently the undesirable behavior is more likely to repeat itself when guests arrive in the future. It’s also possible that your dog could perceive your yelling as encouragement, or could be scared by your vocalization, which could lead them to associate guests with fearful emotions. By focusing on helping your dog make good associations with guests, you are increasing the likelihood that their emotional response (and consequently their behavior) will improve over time.