To fix this problem, you will need the assistance of a good friend. Then take the following steps:
- Put your dog on a leash. At a planned time, have your friend come to the front door and ring the doorbell or knock.
- Walk quietly to the front door and let your friend inside. It is important that your friend come inside and stand quietly without reacting to the dog.
- Your job is to make the dog sit in front of your friend. Once the dog is sitting, reward the dog with a treat. (If you have other people help you, or if you have a remote treat dispenser, you can also have a designated place that your dog should go to receive its reward.)
- Then have your friend leave the house without talking to you or the dog. Wait two or three minutes and repeat the process. Do this several times in a row with the same friend.
When the dog does not overreact to your friend’s arrival, the first step in the process is complete. Repeat this again the next day. The idea is to develop a routine where the dog becomes comfortable with a friend coming to the door and reacts by sitting quietly or going to its designated place.
Once the dog is accustomed to your friend, ask another friend to help with the same process. After a week or two of daily practice, your dog will learn a new set of behaviors and will associate visitors with a quiet sit and a reward. This will increase the dog’s confidence and will help him know what behavior you expect when you have company.
