Visitors mean excitement — and sometimes chaos. Whether your dog loves people a little too much or would rather hide under the couch, the holidays can be overwhelming. With a bit of preparation, your dog can greet guests politely and confidently, setting the tone for a calm and joyful season.
Polite Greetings
A calm greeting starts long before the doorbell rings. Here’s a simple step-by-step approach:
- Start small: Practice greeting routines with one family member or friend before expecting success with a crowd.
- Leash and manage: Use a leash or long line to prevent jumping while your dog learns impulse control.
- Teach an alternative behavior: Ask for a sit, hand target (“touch”), or go-to-place cue before guests enter.
- Reward calm: Reinforce quiet, four-paws-on-the-floor behavior. Calm greetings = access to guests; jumping = brief removal or reset.
Short, structured sessions build success. Aim for calm, not perfect — consistency matters more than perfection.
Safe Spaces
Even social dogs need breaks. Create a retreat area where your dog can decompress when the excitement gets too high.
- A crate, mat, or quiet bedroom works well.
- Include familiar bedding, chews, or soft music to help your dog relax.
- Allow your dog to choose retreat when they need space — this builds trust and self-regulation.
If you have a shy or nervous dog, plan ahead. It’s perfectly okay for them to skip the greeting altogether and hang out in their safe space while company visits.
Guest Guidance
Set your dog (and your guests) up for success by providing a few simple instructions:
- No direct eye contact or leaning over for shy dogs.
- Wait to pet until the dog approaches and appears comfortable.
- No food or treats unless pre-approved (especially during holiday meals!).
- Respect space — sleeping or resting dogs shouldn’t be disturbed.
You can even post a small “Dog Etiquette” sign by the door or share a quick text before guests arrive. A little communication prevents a lot of stress.
Practice Scenarios
Before the big day, stage a practice greeting. Invite a friend to knock, enter, and play the role of “holiday guest.”
- Practice your dog’s greeting routine and safe-space transitions.
- Adjust the plan as needed — what worked in training may need tweaks in real life.
- Use these sessions to identify stress signals or triggers and troubleshoot early.
Each repetition helps your dog build confidence and predictability — key ingredients for calm behavior when the real guests arrive.
Want a foolproof visitor prep plan?
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Missed Week 1 of the Series? Read it here!