Stop the "Leap of Love": How to Teach Your Dog Polite Greetings!
Ah, the doorbell! For many of us, it's a signal that friends, family, or the pizza delivery hero has arrived. But for our furry best friends, it often means one thing: MAXIMUM EXCITEMENT OVERLOAD! Cue the zoomies, the frantic barking, and the inevitable, enthusiastic JUMP that sends poor Aunt Mildred reeling or your package tumbling.
We get it. Your dog is just so incredibly happy to see new (or familiar) faces! It's a "leap of love," a full-body hug from a creature who adores humans. But let's be honest, not everyone appreciates a surprise airborne doggo, no matter how cute. So, how do we teach our pups to greet guests with a little more... finesse? Don't worry, it's totally doable, and we're going to make it fun!
Here's the scoop on turning those bouncy hellos into calm, polite welcomes:
Step 1: The Leash Lowdown (It's Your Secret Weapon!)
When you know a guest is about to arrive, grab your dog's leash. This isn't for punishment; it's your gentle guiding tool. It helps you manage their initial excitement without them practicing that unwanted jumping behavior. Think of it as putting them on "calm control" mode.
Step 2: Redirection, Not Reprimand
As your guest comes through the door, your dog will likely try to launch into their usual aerial greeting. This is where you step in! As soon as their paws even think about leaving the ground, gently guide them away with the leash and a calm, firm "Nope!" or "Off!" The goal isn't to scold, but to prevent the jump from happening. Walk them a step or two away from the guest.
Step 3: The Calm Command (Your Dog's New Greeting Card!)
Once your dog is no longer attempting to jump and is relatively calm (even for a second!), ask them to sit. This is the polite alternative you want them to offer. If they sit, even briefly, it's time for the next step!
Step 4: Treats, Praise, Repeat! (The Party for Polite Paws!)
The moment your dog sits and stays calm while the guest is nearby (even if it's just for a moment), unleash the positive reinforcement! Give them a delicious treat and shower them with happy praise. "Good sit! Yes! Such a good dog!" Make it clear that this calm behavior is what earns them the good stuff. If they get too excited and try to jump again, simply repeat Step 2 (redirection) and then Step 3 (sit) until you get that moment of calm for a reward.
Step 5: Practice Makes Paw-fect!
This isn't a one-and-done kind of deal. Consistency is key! Get friends or family to play "guest" for short training sessions. The more your dog practices polite greetings in a controlled way, the faster they'll learn. Eventually, they'll understand that calm greetings earn rewards, and jumping... well, jumping earns a polite "nope" and no treat.
Before you know it, your dog will be greeting guests with a dignified sit, wagging their tail, and eagerly awaiting their well-deserved treat and a friendly pat. No more accidental face licks or muddy paw prints on your nice clothes! Just pure, calm, happy welcomes.
Inspired by: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU8PTncklJq/