Things You'll Need:
- Treats
- Item of clothing from family member
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Step 1
Make the family member as benign as possible. This means removing any big hats, clunky boots or strange jackets that may intimidate the dog. Also have the family member leave her hands empty so the dog doesn’t think he’s about to get hit with a big pocketbook or the like. You may also want to introduce the family member and dog in neutral territory--like the park or on the sidewalk--rather than inside the house, which is definite dog territory.
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Step 2
Get the dog acquainted with the family member. Have the person greet the dog warmly with a soothing voice and sit on the floor to be at the dog’s level. Allow the dog to sniff, bump and paw at the person until the dog sees the person means no harm.
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Step 3
Get the dog to like the family member. Once the dog is acquainted, have the family member give the dog a treat or two to show the encounter is a good one.
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Step 4
Let the person linger. The family member need not spend the week at your place, but do have her leave a small article behind. A handkerchief, old T-shirt or sock will do. Put the article in the dog’s bed or other area the dog frequents so the canine gets used to having the person around.
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Step 5
Admonish the dog the moment he starts barking at the person. If the person comes to visit again and the dog starts barking away, admonish the dog immediately. Repeat the steps where the person gets acquainted and then woos the pooch.
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Step 6
Reward the dog when he remembers his friend. If the person again comes to visit and the dog does not bark but greets the family member warmly--and quietly--reward the canine with soft language and a treat.
