How to Teach Your Dog to Stay Calm When Guests Arrive

As a dog lover and professional caregiver, I know how stressful it can be when your dog gets overly excited whenever someone comes to the house. Jumping, barking, or running around can be overwhelming for both you and your guests. That’s why I want to share some strategies I use to help dogs stay calm and relaxed when visitors arrive.

1. Practice basic calmness exercises

Before guests arrive, it’s essential that your dog knows basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “down.” I usually do short training sessions throughout the day to reinforce calm behavior. Rewarding calm behavior works far better than punishing excitement — treats, praise, and affection go a long way.

2. Create a safe space

Sometimes dogs get excited because they don’t know where to go. I recommend setting up a safe corner with their bed, blanket, toys, and water. When guests arrive, you can guide your dog there to relax while you greet your visitors. This gives them security and reduces stress.

3. Practice “mock visits”

I suggest simulating visits with friends or family: have them ring the doorbell and reward your dog for staying calm. Repeating this routine helps your dog associate visitors with positive experiences instead of chaos.

4. Manage energy levels

Before guests arrive, a walk or play session is essential. A tired and positively stimulated dog is far less likely to jump or bark uncontrollably. I always recommend 20–30 minutes of exercise before visitors come over.

5. Reinforce calm behavior

Whenever your dog remains calm while guests arrive, praise and reward them. Consistency is key: every time your dog stays relaxed, reinforce it. With patience and practice, your dog will learn that visitors mean calm and positive interactions, not chaos.

How We Can Help

If your dog has lots of energy, anxiety, or difficulty controlling emotions, our doggy daycare can make a real difference. At our center, we use play, socialization, and positive training to help dogs learn how to relax and handle new situations — like meeting guests or being around people and other dogs.

👉 Contact us today to see how we can help your dog become calmer, happier, and more balanced at home.