3 Expert Tips from a Dog Trainer: How to Prepare Your Pup for Holiday Guests
With help from Victoria Stilwell, renowned dog trainer, train your pooch to mind his manners when guests are over.
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As the holidays are quickly approaching, you will most likely have more guests visiting your home. While some friends and family love hanging out with dogs, some people can get overwhelmed when friendly Fido comes charging at them for an over-the-top greeting or begs at the dinner table. Halloween and Thanksgiving present even bigger challenges because tasty foods abound, including ones that aren't safe for dogs like chicken bones and chocolate. If you struggle to get your pup under control, try out some smart and practical tips for helping your dog be on their best behavior.
Dog trainer Victoria Stilwell is the author of several dog training books and former star of Animal Planet's It's Me or the Dog. Stilwell shares some tried and true tricks to help you and your furry friends this holiday season.
What to Do if Your Dog Rushes the Door
If the doorbell turns Rover into a four-paw streamroller, first teach him the wait command. Put your dog in a sit or stand, your palm facing towards him, while saying, “Wait.” After a few seconds of stillness, reward your dog.
Be sure to use treats that are extra special and high value to your dog, like these Buddy Biscuit training treats. This way, your dog will be excited to earn those delicious bites versus using pieces of his everyday kibble.
Graduate to moving several steps back from your dog with your hand on the doorknob. If your dog breaks the wait command, let go of the doorknob and repeat until he is calm again. Keep repeating until you can open the door completely without your pooch running out.
Finally, ask a family member to ring the doorbell. If the dog charges when the door opens, close the door. Don’t allow your dog to greet the family member until your dog can stay in one place and the person can come all the way in. Continual reinforcement is key.
How to Train Your Dog Not to Jump on People
Jumping up on guests is a no-no. When your pup jumps up on you or a family member, turn your back and completely ignore your dog. Wait for five seconds of calm—all four paws on the floor—before rewarding your canine.
When a guest comes over, simply state, “My dog is in training, please ignore his behavior.” If the dog jumps up, ask your guest to turn their back. The less attention your dog gets, the less excited he will be.
What to Do When Your Dog Begs at the Dinner Table
To prevent begging, sit family and friends around the dinner table. If the dog comes too close to the table, body block Fido and say, “Back,” while using a waving-off hand motion. A body block is how dogs control space with other dogs so you’re communicating that you want your space. Block where the dog wants to go with your body, but don’t make physical contact.
If this technique doesn’t work, Victoria recommends putting your pooch in a room with a baby gate and a Kong toy stuffed with treats. For extra long playing time, add in a layer of peanut butter and freeze the Kong toy. Give it to your dog in another room. Freezing the peanut butter will give him plenty to work on while you enjoy your festivities.
Jennifer Chen is a freelance journalist and young adult author who lives in Los Angeles with her TV writer husband, twins, two pugs, and a cat named Gremlin. She's a proud foster kitten mama.