This is the latest post in a series looking back at the basics of obedience training. Although we have spoken about these topics before, it is always a good idea to review the basics! So let’s get started and review greeting guests calmly.
Many dogs bark when visitors enter or when a doorbell rings. They may run to the door and jump or scratch against it, bark or growl at newcomers, jump up on them or try to run out the door past them. All of these behaviors are not ideal ways for your guests to be met with when they arrive. Train your pup to politely greet guests and control their impulses to jump and bark.
To change your dog’s behavior when a knock comes at the door, create a routine that results in them being calm and quiet. Start your training by choosing a designated spot for your dog to “place”. This could be on the couch, on a dog bed, or in their crate. With treats in hand, tell them “Place” and lead them to the spot. Once they are sitting or laying down and are quiet, give them a treat. Repeat this during short training sessions for a few days. Your dog should quickly learn that “place” means they are to go to their spot and lie down without needing you to lead them there.
Once they’ve got the hang of responding to your “place” command, begin sending them to their place and then walk over to your door and open it (don’t have anyone there yet). Hold it open for a few seconds, then close it. Correct your dog if they try to leave their spot and start over if necessary. Again, repeat this over the course of a few days until your dog understands that when they are told to go to their place, you will be opening the door (you can even pretend to be talking with a visitor when you open the door).
Next, enlist the help of a friend who isn’t part of your immediate family. Have them knock or ring the doorbell. It’s likely your pup will start barking or run to the door. Give the “place” command–since this is the first time incorporating the doorbell, you may need to lead your dog to their spot, and that’s okay! Take your time, making sure that Fido is calm and patient in their spot, before opening the door. Exchange a few seconds of conversation with your friend, then close the door and repeat the process. Again, this training should take place in short sessions over the course of a few days.
Now that your dog can stay in their place when you talk with your friend, you can move on to the final step– greeting guests calmly without jumping. Have your friend ring the doorbell, and send your pup to their place. Attach their leash and stand with them as your friend opens the door and enters. If your pup tries to get up and run to them, pull them back and tell them “leave it”. Allow your guest to approach slowly, but have them stop if your dog starts pulling. This way, your pup will learn that they have to wait for guests to come to them–not the other way around. When your dog sits patiently as your guest approaches, reward them heavily and repeat the process. Over the course of a few weeks, your dog will become a wonderfully calm and patient greeter when visitors arrive.
Greeting guests calmly is just one of the many skills your dog should learn to be a happy and healthy member of the family. If you are looking for a local obedience school in the Sarasota area, call Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training.
