As all pet owners eventually learn, a new furry family member doesn’t always acclimate easily to a strange environment or people. Even if your new dog seems gentle and okay around immediate family, it might not handle house guests well. To guarantee a positive experience for everyone during the arrival of house guests, you must prepare for the encounter. Read on to learn more…
Learn Your Dog’s Personality
As you know, all dogs, like humans, have unique personalities. Some dogs love to meet new people. Yet energetic, excited dogs often jump or run around. These actions can scare your house guests, spread dirt and fur everywhere and even damage furniture or your guests’ clothing.
Anxious and frightened dogs often hide in corners, under furniture or close to familiar people. These dogs can become aggressive and bark, growl or snap with their teeth to frighten a stranger enough to leave them alone. All dogs show similar initial physical signs when it comes to stress. An upset dog might cower, flatten its ears, tuck its tail and visibly shake. Even an otherwise gentle dog may become aggressive when scared or stressed. Watch for these signs and remove your dog to avoid anyone getting hurt. In many states including California, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries or damages caused by their dog.
Practice With Your Dog Daily
Your dog needs to know your rules before it meets new people. Socialization training in a low-stress environment can help your pet learn how to behave around both family members and visitors. For example, you should teach it basic commands such as “sit” or “stay” in a place without distractions. Since the upcoming introduction is the first time your dog will come into contact with guests, teach it how to behave while on a leash.
Additionally, training in a semi-stressful situation can also help. Practice making common visitor noises (i.e., knocking, loud talking and ringing the doorbell) to learn more about your dog’s personality and help it acclimate to different noises and levels of noise. During this time, use positive reinforcement techniques after it does well, such as statements like “good” or “atta” and its name or gender, petting and treats.
Plan Extensively for the Visit
Many dogs never feel comfortable around visitors. You might need to move your fur baby to a crate, room, or yard area during the visit. You can prepare ahead by setting up a space where it can feel comfortable and safe that includes a soft, warm pet bed and plenty of toys.
If you still plan to introduce your dog to your guests, speak with them at length. Talk about dog allergies, if applicable to them. Remind them that your dog might shed dander and fur or slobber on them. Provide tips about how to approach and interact with it. Emphasize that leaning down to pet it, a loud greeting, and peripheral or sudden movements can cause fear. Explain that they should wait for your dog to approach and sniff them.
Control Dog and Guest Interactions
During the introduction, you must act with control and situational awareness to reduce the risk of a serious negative outcome. A dog bite, even from a puppy, can ruin family ties and friendships and result in legal complications. If you think your dog needs a leash, use it. After all, you can take it off at any time.
In most scenarios, you want your dog some place away from your initial greeting of guests. People often become just as excited as some pets when visitors arrive at their homes. By waiting until after some of the personal excitement winds down, you can reduce everyone’s stress. Start by walking your guests again through how to approach your new dog. Once your dog seems okay with this interaction, allow petting, play or treats; whatever you discovered was the right match to your dog’s personality.