Introducing your furry friend to new people can be an exciting but often stressful experience, both for your dog and your guests. From enthusiastic greetings to anxious behaviours, dogs can exhibit a range of reactions when visitors arrive. However, with some careful planning and proactive measures, you can help keep your canine companion calm and composed during these encounters. Here are five tips to ensure a harmonious visit for everyone involved, along with the added benefits of natural, long-lasting chews:

1. Preparation is Key: Before your guests arrive, take some time to prepare your dog for the upcoming visit. This includes providing them with ample exercise and mental stimulation to help alleviate any pent-up energy or anxiety. A tired dog is typically a calmer dog, so a brisk walk or engaging play session prior to guests arriving can work wonders in setting a relaxed tone for the visit. Additionally, offering your dog a natural, long-lasting chew such as a beef trachea or turkey neck, can help keep them occupied and content during the visit, reducing the likelihood of stress-induced behaviours.
2. Create a Safe Space: Designate a quiet and comfortable area in your home where your dog can retreat to if they start to feel overwhelmed. This could be a cosy corner with their bed, toys, and water bowl, away from the hustle and bustle of guests. Encourage your dog to use this space as a sanctuary whenever they need a break from social interactions. Providing them with a natural chew in their safe space can also help alleviate stress and provide a sense of comfort and security.
3. Positive Reinforcement: Encourage polite greetings by teaching your dog basic obedience commands such as “sit” or “stay.” Practice these commands regularly, offering treats and praise as rewards for good behaviour. When guests arrive, ask them to approach your dog calmly and to refrain from overwhelming gestures such as loud voices or sudden movements. By reinforcing positive interactions with treats and praise, you can help your dog associate visitors with positive experiences, making future encounters less stressful. Offering your dog a natural, long-lasting chew as a reward for calm behaviour can further reinforce positive associations with guests.
4. Manage Visitors’ Behaviour: Educate your guests on how to interact with your dog in a respectful manner. Advise them to avoid direct eye contact, sudden movements, or reaching over your dog’s head, as these actions can be perceived as threatening by some dogs. Instead, encourage gentle petting under the chin or on the chest, where most dogs feel more comfortable being touched. Remind visitors to allow your dog to approach them at their own pace and to respect any signals indicating discomfort or fear. Offering guests the option to give your dog a natural, long-lasting chew can also help facilitate positive interactions and reduce stress for your dog.
5. Stay Calm and Consistent: Dogs are highly attuned to their owners’ emotions, so it’s essential to remain calm and composed during visits. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, your dog is likely to pick up on these cues and may become more agitated as a result. Practice deep breathing techniques and maintain a relaxed demeanour to help reassure your dog that everything is okay. Consistency is also key, so stick to your established routines and boundaries to provide a sense of stability and security for your furry friend. Offering your dog a natural, long-lasting chew as a calming tool can further reinforce feelings of relaxation and contentment during visits.

In conclusion, keeping your dog relaxed when visitors come to your house requires careful planning, patience, and understanding. By preparing your dog beforehand, creating a safe space, using positive reinforcement, managing visitors’ behaviour, and staying calm and consistent, you can help ensure that visits are enjoyable for both your dog and your guests. And with the added benefits of natural, long-lasting chews, you can provide your dog with an extra layer of comfort and relaxation during social gatherings.