Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Does a simple knock at the door or a doorbell ring send your dog into a whirlwind of jumping and barking? If you're nodding your head and thinking, "Why does my dog get overly excited when guests come over?"you're not alone. Many pet owners face similar challenges, with dogs barking, jumping or running around the moment visitors arrive. While it's an instinct for some dogs to react to new people entering their space in this way, it can become a challenging behavior to manage.1 But with the right training, you can calm your dog down and make guest visits more enjoyable for everyone.
1. Understand the Cause
Before you can manage your dog's behavior, you need to understand whether they're reacting out of excitement or anxiety. While both emotions can cause similar behaviors, their root causes differ and so do the strategies for addressing them.
Excitement
Overly excited dogs tend to display behaviors like jumping, wagging their tail excessively or running around.2 These dogs are thrilled about the new company and may find it difficult to contain their energy.Anxiety
Anxious dogs may exhibit behaviors like whining, pacing or hiding. For them, guests represent a disruption to their environment or routine, triggering nervousness rather than joy.
Identifying which of these emotions your dog is experiencing will help you choose the right training approach.
Common triggers
Common triggers for these reactions include the doorbell, the sound of people entering or simply seeing unfamiliar faces. If you're wondering how to stop your dog from barking at visitors, identifying these triggers is the first step toward effective training.
2. Create a Calm Environment
Set up a safe space
Having a designated quiet space where your dog can retreat will help them feel safe and secure.3 This could be a separate room, a cozy corner or a den-like crate where they feel protected from the hustle and bustle. This works particularly well when visitors are anticipated—rather than a surprise—allowing your dog to get to his safe space prior to guests arriving.
Use calming aids
In addition to a quiet space, consider using calming aids such as pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps. These products, which work well on some dogs, are designed to soothe anxiety by mimicking natural comforting signals to ease nerves during stressful situations.4
3. Train Your Dog for Greeting Guests
Basic commands
Training your dog with basic commands like "sit" and "stay" is essential to managing their excitement or anxiety, especially during times of year when you have more visitors than usual.
Practice these commands regularly so that your dog is well versed in remaining calm, even when guests are around. By cementing these commands with treats and positive reinforcement, your dog will learn to associate calm behavior with rewards.5
However, try not to overly discipline your pet, as this can be misconstrued as attention, inadvertently making their excitement worse.
Controlled introductions
Another effective technique is to practice controlled introductions. Have your dog sit or stay at a distance when guests enter, and gradually allow them to approach once they've settled down. Use treats to reward calm behavior, ensuring your dog views guest arrivals as a positive experience rather than a trigger for excitement or anxiety.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
Role-playing scenarios
Training your dog to stay calm when guests arrive is not a one-time event—it requires consistency and practice. A helpful way to reinforce the behavior is through role-playing scenarios. Invite friends or family over specifically to help with your dog's training. This way, your dog can practice greeting people in a controlled, familiar environment.
When guests arrive, ask them to wait to give your dog attention until she calms down and sits. That way, your dog will learn that the sooner she sits down, the quicker she will get pats and loves!
Gradual exposure
Wondering how to desensitize a dog to visitors? Slowly increasing the number of people in controlled settings can help reduce your dog's reactivity over time. Start with just one or two visitors and gradually increase the number as they become more comfortable.
You can also desensitize your dog to the sound of the doorbell or knocking by making this sound either with the real thing or by playing a sound on your phone while rewarding your dog for staying calm.6
5. Teach Alternative Behaviors
Use quiet commands
Instead of focusing solely on correcting unwanted actions, you can also teach your dog alternative behaviors when guests arrive. For example, train your dog to go to their bed or a specific mat when they hear the doorbell. This gives them a designated task and helps shift their focus away from the excitement of new arrivals. Be sure to reward their behavior with a tasty treat or special toy.
Redirect energy
Another useful strategy is to redirect their energy. Providing interactive toys or puzzle feeders can keep your dog occupied and away from the door while guests enter. This prevents jumping and barking, while allowing your dog to channel their energy into something productive.
6. Reinforce Good Behavior
Reward calmness
Positive reinforcement is the cornerstone of successful dog training. Whenever your dog remains calm during guest arrivals, be sure to reward them with treats or praise. Dogs are more likely to repeat behavior that is rewarded, so it's important to consistently acknowledge their calmness.
Be consistent
Consistency in training is key to long-term success. Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page regarding how to handle your dog when guests arrive. By establishing clear rules and consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog will learn to manage their excitement or anxiety over time.
7. Seek Professional Help if Needed
When to consult a trainer
If your dog continues to struggle with excessive excitement or anxiety, it may be time to seek help from a professional. Knowing when to consult a trainer is important, especially if your dog's behavior becomes unmanageable or causes distress for both the dog and your guests.
How to choose the right trainer
When looking for a professional, choose someone who specializes in excitement or anxiety issues. A qualified dog trainer or behaviorist can provide personalized guidance and techniques to address your dog's specific needs. With their expertise, you can develop a more tailored training plan.
For more detailed strategies on how to manage your dog's behavior, check out this comprehensive dog training guide to help with everything from basic commands to desensitizing your dog to visitors. Patience is key—your dog may not learn these behaviors overnight, but with time and effort, you'll see progress.
Pets Best Is Here To Help
Managing your dog's excitement or anxiety when guests arrive is possible—and essential—for a peaceful home environment. Through consistent training, a calm environment and positive reinforcement, you can teach your dog to greet guests with ease every time.
For additional peace of mind, you can purchase dog insurance to help you pay for unexpected health issues that might arise. If you're seeking additional support, Pets Best offers a 24/7 Pet Helpline for policyholders where you can speak with a veterinary expert about any pet behavioral concerns. Whether you're dealing with excitement or anxiety, having professional resources available can make all the difference.
Sources/Citations
- “How to Help Your Dog Be Less Fearful Of Strangers," Sassafras Patterdale (9/2022), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-fear-of-strangers/
- “How To Read Dog Body Language," Stephanie Gibeault (6/2023), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/how-to-read-dog-body-language/
- “How to make your new dog feel comfortable in your home," (n.d.), Humane Society of the United States, https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-make-your-new-dog-feel-comfortable-your-home
- "Pheromones for Dogs: What Are They & How Do You Use Them?" (10/2023), Bond Vet, https://bondvet.com/b/pheromones-for-dogs
- “4 Tips for Training Your Dog With Rewards," Stephanie Gibeault (2/2023), American Kennel Club,https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/training-rewards/
- “How to Stop Your Dog from Barking at the Doorbell," Sassafras Patterdale (9/2021), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/stop-dog-barking-doorbell/