Preparing Your Dog for Company

It’s that time of year when we tend to have more company than usual. Is your dog prepared for all of that company? If you throw a lot of parties or just have people over a lot in general this can apply to you all year round too. Guests come in the door and your dog is so excited they don’t know what to do, some run out the front door, some jump all over guests, some aren’t excited and can be found hiding in a corner.

Some Things to Consider Before Having Guests Come Over

Will they be bringing a dog with them?
How does your dog handle new people coming over?
Does your dog guard food, toys, or you?
What rules will best help my dog be successful?
Am I ready to help my dog be successful?

Kuranda Dog Beds

How Do We Set Our Dogs up For Success When Company is Coming Over?

Know Your Dog

You know your dog best, what bothers them, what gets them excited. If they get anxious around new people or other dogs, a large crowd may be overwhelming. If they aren’t comfortable around other dogs, make sure your guests know not to bring their dogs or have a solution for keeping the dogs separate ready. Some dogs may be stressed or anxious with party noises, train with them ahead of time so any loud noises will not be new.

Know Your Guests

If you know your guests don’t like dogs, it is your responsibility to make accommodations when possible. Have accommodations prepared so you have options to offer your dog. Depending on your dog’s demeanor, they may do better in a crate or bedroom separate from the guest. For extended stays, your dog may have a better experience at a trusted friend’s house while your company is with you.

Be Prepared

Have solutions ready for possible problems, IE: Begging, barking, overly excited, jumping, etc.
Have toys and treats ready to reward your dog for a job well done. Give toys or bones to your dog during meals or if they are getting anxious.
If they get overstimulated, give them relief by putting them in a safe space (crate, bedroom, back yard).
Practice good behavior beforehand, if you do this you are giving your dog a better shot and being successful since they will know what to do.
Uphold boundaries/rules and train while company is there.

Another big part of preparing your dog for company is to have boundaries set (for your dog and guest’s safety). Have a note on the door outside as guests come up stating some rules, IE: Please don’t pet the dog if they are barking, Do not feed human food, Knock on the front door before entering, etc. Some people will call or text their guests this list too, letting them know beforehand will help them to keep good boundaries with your dog.

Rewards

We often forget to acknowledge when our dogs are doing well. If they are making good choices, tell them good job! Pet them, give them belly rubs or a treat! Make sure to use high value treats for this situation, just using their kibble or a treat they are okay with may not be enough to keep their attention or encourage them to continue making good choices. You can also be prepared with a Kong toy that has treats inside frozen, or a bone that takes them a while to devour. Give your dog these when they are being calm and doing well, it will help extend the time they do good and keep them distracted.

As much as it may stress you out when your dog is miss behaving in front of company, remember they are also stressed when not given clear boundaries to follow or when overwhelmed with new things. Prepare your dog for company and both you and your dog will have a better experience.

Dog Training in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Corrales, Placitas

The mission of Good Buddy Dog Training is to help build the bond between dogs and their owners through positive training methods. We teach dogs to accomplish new behaviors and humans to bring out the best in their furry friends. For the most effective training, we work with people directly in their homes, where dogs and their humans feel most comfortable. And the training we do is based on the science of how dogs learn by using a positive and fun curriculum to build confidence in both dog and owner.