The holiday season is upon us, and for many, that means welcoming more visitors into our homes. But what if your dog gets overly excited by guests, is fearful of Uncle Eddie, or tends to chase the kids? Don’t worry – here are some practical strategies to help your dog (and you) navigate the holidays.

Step 1: Understand Your Dog’s Personality

Every dog is different, and tailoring your approach starts with understanding your dog’s personality. Is your dog a social butterfly, a nervous wallflower, or somewhere in between? Let’s break it down.

Social dogs

Social dogs love people and show it! These dogs approach visitors with loose, wiggly body language, a relaxed wagging tail, and an eager, happy demeanor. They may jump up to lick your face or grab a nearby toy to show off their excitement. These dogs thrive on interaction and want to be part of the action.

Nervous Dogs

Nervous dogs are more reserved and may prefer to keep their distance from guests. They may move slowly, tuck their tail, shift their weight backward, or even urinate out of fear. Rolling onto their back isn’t an invitation for a belly rub—it’s their way of saying, “Please don’t hurt me; I mean no harm.” These dogs need space and the chance to approach people on their own terms.

Selective Dogs

Selective dogs are a bit choosier about whom they trust. These dogs may appear confident, holding their head, ears, and tail high, but they may also display defensive behaviors. They often give clear signals to stay away, such as leaning forward or staring. These dogs may have a protective streak or negative past experiences, so managing their interactions is key.

Step 2: Set Up a Management Plan

No matter your dog’s personality, the first step is management. Preventing unwanted behavior is much easier than trying to correct it after the fact. Here’s how to limit opportunities for jumping:

• Create physical barriers: Use a baby gate, crate, or a closed door to keep your dog away from the entry point when guests arrive.
• Plan ahead: Ask your guests to text or call before arriving so you can prepare your dog.
• Leash your dog: A leash gives you control and allows you to redirect your dog as needed.

Remember, your dog can’t jump if they can’t reach your guests. Managing their environment is the foundation for success.

Step 3: Train for Success

Now that you’ve minimized jumping opportunities, it’s time to teach your dog new, polite behaviors. The exact approach will depend on your dog’s personality.

For Social Dogs

Social dogs often jump to greet guests. Instead of punishing the jumping, teach them what you want them to do. For example:

• Keep your dog leashed when guests arrive.
• Once the initial excitement settles, guide them in offering a polite greeting—such as sitting or staying calm.
• Reward your dog for staying on the ground and help guests understand how to interact appropriately.

With consistent practice, your social butterfly can learn to channel their enthusiasm into good manners.

For Nervous Dogs

Nervous dogs need time and space to adjust to visitors. Here’s how to help:

• Bring them out on a leash only after the room feels calm and safe.
• Let your dog observe from a distance, such as lying on a mat or bed.
• Allow them to approach guests at their own pace—don’t force interactions.

Focus on making your dog feel safe and rewarded for calm behavior. Training polite greetings can be helpful, but respecting their boundaries is just as important.

For Selective Dogs

Selective dogs often benefit from clear, structured guidance. They may prefer to avoid guests altogether, which is fine! Here’s what you can do:

• Exercise your dog before guests arrive to tire them out.
• Provide a quiet space with background noise and long-lasting treats like frozen Kongs or marrow bones.
• If interaction is unavoidable, use a leash and structured commands to guide polite greetings.

For these dogs, consider working with a professional to build a solid foundation of trust and control. Muzzle training can also add an extra layer of safety if needed.

Step 4: Be Patient and Consistent

Behavior change takes time. There are no quick fixes or guarantees, but with consistent, humane training, your dog can learn better ways to behave. Avoid harsh corrections, which only suppress behavior without addressing its root cause. Instead, focus on rewarding the behaviors you want and preventing the ones you don’t.

Start now! With the holidays around the corner, it’s the perfect time to begin teaching your dog the skills they’ll need to be a polite and happy host—or a calm observer—from their favorite spot in the house.

Need help with training polite greetings or managing your dog’s behavior? Contact us—we’re here to help!