Does your canine buddy greet guests by, well, jumping on them? Fido’s friendliness and protective tendencies can be wonderful gifts, but at times, they can also cause petiquette issues. This can make guests very uncomfortable. In some cases, it can even be dangerous! If your dog tends to say hi by bowling people over, you may need to work on his manners. In this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair pet hospital, a local vet discusses teaching your pooch better manners.

Part One

Before you can get your pup to show perfect petiquette for guests, you’ll need to make sure he is behaving properly for you. Don’t shower your furry companion with attention when you walk in the door. Instead, get him to sit or lay down when you enter, and then reward him for doing so. When working with your canine pal, leave and re-enter several times, until Fido gets the point.

Part Two

Once you are satisfied with the way Fido behaves when you come home, teach him to do the same for guests. Enlist a friend or family member to help you. Teach Fido to Sit when the doorbell rings, or when he hears people knock. Don’t let your visitors in until your pet is in the spot you want him to be. (This may be easier if your furry pal knows the command to Stay.) When your dog stays in position when the door opens, reward him with praise and treats.

Tips

Only work with Fido when you are in a good mood. You want your pup to enjoy school, and associate it with good things. As far as rewards, we recommend using small snacks, like a piece of hot dog or a slice of deli meat. You don’t want to overfeed your four-legged buddy! Last but not least, never punish your furry friend for not picking things up quickly enough. Focus on rewarding good behavior. That said, some dogs are easier to train than others are. Just be patient and consistent. If you are having trouble training your canine friend, consult your vet or a professional dog behaviorist. Do you have questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care? You can call us here at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your local Cy-Fair veterinary clinic, anytime. We are here to serve all your pet’s veterinary care needs!