Things You'll Need:
- leash
- treats
- informed house guests
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Step 1
The first rule for a polite greeting from a dog is that all four paws must be on the floor. Practice this behavior with your dog near the door when there is nothing exciting going on. Ask for sits, downs, and other tricks. You can enhance this training by having him perform the cues on a mat near the door. Get polite behavior, praise and reward it. Do this step several times a day, for two minutes at a time for one or two days.
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Step 2
Stand in the doorway with your dog while he is leashed. Hook the leash to the doorknob. Ask him to sit. Have a partner stand on the other side of the door to ring the doorbell or knock every 15 seconds.
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Step 3
As this is happening, remain calm, if he barks, turn your back to him and ignore him, if he does not calm down, begin to move away from him. When he pauses for breath, praise him (or click) and toss a treat on the floor. Do not talk to your dog otherwise. Practice this step until he is no longer reactive. Repeat this step several times per day for two or three days.
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Step 4
Set up a "visit". Place your dog on his leash, or do not take it off after his walk. Sit on the couch and watch television or read with your dog near you. At a predetermined time, have another person ring the doorbell.
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Step 5
If your dog remains calm, walk him to the door with you without speaking to him. Before you open the door, stand on his leash. Give him enough length to stand or sit, but make the leash short enough to keep him from jumping.
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Step 6
Open the door for the guest. The person entering the door should not acknowledge the dog unless she has all four paws on the floor. If she begins to mouth or bark, the visitor should immediately ignore her.
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Step 7
You may also ask your guest to drop some dry treats such as kibble or O shaped cereal on the floor to condition your dog to look for dropped goodies instead of leaping on guests for attention.
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Step 8
Practice set ups several times per week for 3 or 4 weeks. Knock on walls yourself when your dog is not looking, and reward his calm and silent behavior.










Comments
Desula said
on 5/26/2008 We're working on this now. Thanks for the advice on how to teach dogs to greet guests properly.