Teach Your Dog to Greet People Politely in 5 Easy Steps

HOW TO TEACH YOUR DOG TO GREET POLITELY

1.     Do Not Allow your Dog to Jump on You! Remember consistency is key! Wether you are standing, coming through the door, sitting, or laying down you must always encourage all 4 paws to be on the floor!

2. Manage the situation.

a.     Control your dog’s environment so he/she isn’t intermittently reinforced for jumping up.

b.     Always keep the leash on, in a crate, using a gate- whatever tools/barriers you need to disallow the dog from practicing the unwanted behavior.

3.     Provide very clear, simple instructions to everyone who wants to greet him/her.
“My dog is in training, but you can help “Dog’s Name” greet people politely!
Approach from the side or bend down on the ground. As I let him/her approach, if the dog keeps the paws on the ground and wants to be pet- ask for a “SIT” and give the dog a treat. Only pet on the chest area. If they get excited, I will move the dog away and we can try it again.”

4.     Reinforce for sitting a lot – every chance you get!

a.     Everything the dog wants for teach her to “Say Please” by asking the dog to sit before he/she receives anything- food, attention, access to a new space, a toy, water, etc.

5.     Practice polite greetings.

a.     You can do this yourself by tethering your dog to a solid object and repeatedly approaching and feeding a treat when the dog sits.

b.     Practice with other people with the dog on a leash- if the dog gets excited, Say “Uh-uh” and either move them back away or have the greeter fold their arms, turn around and walk away ignoring the dog. If the dog remains calm, have the greeter ask your dog to “SIT” and reward with attention and treat when the dog sits.

c.      Repetition is key!