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0 How to Help Your Excited Dog Calm Down during the First Meeting
Every dog owner understands the feeling of excitement that greets them when they walk into their home. But what happens when your dog gets excited while meeting someone new? It is not a laughing matter anymore.
If your dog is not properly trained, their excitement could turn into barking, jumping, or even aggression. Learning how to make your dog calm and comfortable during the first meeting is essential.
In this blog, we will share with you some tips on how to help your excited dog calm down during the first meeting.
Prepare Yourself & Your Dog
Preparing yourself and your pet for the first meeting is essential. If you have any gut feeling that your dog might feel anxious or unsure about the meeting, then take steps to prepare him.
You could take him for a walk to help release his energy before the meeting. You could also bring along some of his favorite treats or toys. Just make sure that his favorite things are within reach when you need them.
Also, keep your voice calm and reassuring. Dogs have a natural ability to pick up on our energy and respond accordingly.
Take it Slow
When meeting someone new, humans take it slow. It is best to do the same with your dog. Don’t rush into the meeting, but let your dog take his time to get accustomed to the new person’s scent, body-language, and voice. Keep a leash on your dog at all times if necessary.
Reinforce Positive Behavior
Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement. Use treats and praise to encourage positive behavior. For instance, if your dog is quiet and calm, then reward him with a treat or some words of praise.
On the other hand, if your dog is acting out or excessively barking, then take away his focus from the new person and ignore his behavior. Remember, the aim is to discourage negative behavior and encourage positive behavior.
Provide Positive Distractions
Provide some positive distractions to help your dog calm down and feel more comfortable around the new person. This could include their favorite toy, a dog bed, a blanket, or even adding small doses of calming scents.
Stay Vigilant
Lastly, stay vigilant throughout the meeting. Always keep an eye on your dog’s behavior, and if he starts showing signs of aggression, barking, or showing other behavioral problems, quickly intervene, and remove him from the situation.
Help Your Excited Dog Calm Down
Calm and comfort are the keys to any successful interaction between dogs and people. As a loving dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your dog is trained, well-behaved and comfortable around others.
Use the tips we’ve given you above, and always remember to take it slow, reinforce positive behavior, and stay vigilant to ensure your dog is always calm during the first meeting. With love, patience and persistence, your dog will soon learn to trust and love meeting new people.
