How Do I Stop My Dog from Reacting to Visitors: 5 Top Tips
Julia Hawkins 
Having a dog that reacts to visitors is super stressful, here are 5 top tips to help.
How Do I Stop My Dog from Reacting to Visitors: 5 Top Tips
Does your dog get stressed or anxious when visitors come over? It's a common issue among many dogs, but with the right approach, you can help everyone feel more at ease. Here are five top tips to manage your dog’s reaction to visitors, focusing on comfort and safety for both your pet and your guests.
1. Managing Introductions
When introducing your dog to new visitors, it’s essential to handle the situation carefully. If possible, let your dog meet the visitor outside while on a leash. Go for a short walk and make sure that your visitor doesn't bend over your dog or try to touch them. Have the visitor enter first and sit down before allowing your dog in, and tell them to avoid direct eye contact or interaction with your dog. Sitting or standing square on to the dog can also feel threatening to your dog. You want to make sure that your dog does not feel under pressure to interact with your visitor when they are not comfortable to do so.
2. Creating a Safe Space for Your Dog
Training your dog to have a 'safe zone' like a bed or crate is crucial. This area should be a comforting retreat, especially when visitors are over. You can train your dog to love this space with positive reinforcement. Download our free guide here for tips on creating and training your dog to enjoy their safe space.
3. Alternative Arrangements for Anxious Dogs
Not all dogs are comfortable around visitors, and that's okay. If your dog is particularly stressed, consider putting them in another room with a favorite toy or calming activity. This allows them to avoid the stress of social interaction. Remember that our dogs are like us, some of them just aren't particularly sociable and interactions with strangers in their home can feel really punishing to them.
4. Engaging Dogs in Calming Activities
A lick mat, chew toy, or another calming activity can be a great distraction for your dog. Place this in their safe space or in another room where they feel relaxed. Things like licking and chewing are naturally calming activities for our dogs so can really help. However, whilst your dog is enjoying their calming activity, it's crucial that they also feel totally safe and unthreatened. Make sure that both you and your visitors keep their distance. If your dog is not totally comfortable then give them their treat in a different room as far away from the visitor as you can.
5. Understanding Your Dog’s Visitor Anxiety
Determining the root cause of your dog's discomfort with visitors is key. For some dogs it comes down to a lack of confidence. For others, particularly guardian breeds, it's down to a natural instinct to guard. Other may be particularly anxious. It's also relatively common for some sort of discomfort to be part of the picture A vet visit is a great idea to rule out any contributing health issues or discomfort. Then working on the root of the problem is the way forwards.
Some key points:
- Respect Your Dog’s Boundaries: If your dog is really uncomfortable with visitors, don’t force them to interact. It’s important to respect their boundaries and comfort levels.
- Visitor Etiquette: Advise your guests to avoid lingering in doorways, as this can be intimidating or stressful for dogs. Encourage them to move into a sitting area to appear less threatening.
By following these tips, you can help create a more peaceful and positive experience for your dog and your visitors. Remember, each dog is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Stay patient and consistent.