Living in a lively city like Richmond, VA means having friends, family, and neighbors drop by is part of the fun. But if you have a dog that gets overly excited, or downright anxious, when someone new walks through the door, you’re not alone. From toddlers to grandparents, guests of all ages can trigger some surprising behaviors in our furry companions.
At DoodyCalls of Richmond, we know that pet parents want a peaceful, welcoming home environment. If your dog barks nonstop, jumps on guests, or hides under the bed, this guide is here to help. With the right approach, your dog can learn to stay calm and feel confident no matter who visits.
Begin with your dog’s unique personality
Every dog reacts to visitors differently. Some may bark out of excitement, while others act fearful or even territorial. Understanding what drives your dog’s behavior is the first step to creating a better experience for everyone involved.
Ask yourself:
Does my dog get overstimulated quickly?
Are they more nervous around kids, older adults, or men?
Do they react to the doorbell, footsteps, or just the presence of someone new?
Once you identify your dog’s triggers, you’ll be better prepared to manage them and train more effectively.
Ease into introductions with calm, trusted guests
To set your dog up for success, avoid overwhelming them with a big crowd right away. Start with a calm, familiar visitor — someone your dog already knows or who’s willing to follow a few guidelines.
Keep the interaction short and sweet:
Have the guest ignore your dog at first and let the dog approach on their terms.
Offer treats or favorite toys to create a positive association.
Keep energy low and the environment quiet during initial meetings.
Practicing this a few times helps build your dog’s confidence — and yours too.
Prepare your Richmond home for young visitors
If your guests include children, you’ll want to take extra precautions. Kids often don’t realize what behaviors might make a dog nervous or agitated. Fast movements, loud voices, and unpredictable energy can overwhelm even the most laid-back pup.
Here’s how Richmond dog owners can prepare:
Create a designated “dog zone” using a crate, baby gate, or separate room.
Talk to kids ahead of time about how to gently interact with your dog.
Allow your dog breaks or alone time if they seem overstimulated.
Having a structured plan in place reduces stress for everyone — including your guests.
Make treats and praise part of your visitor routine
Richmond pet lovers know the power of positive reinforcement. When used consistently, treats and praise can transform your dog’s view of visitors from “scary intruders” to “treat-delivering friends.”
Before guests arrive, have high-value treats ready to reward good behavior:
Calmly sitting while the door opens? Treat.
Not barking at a new person? Praise and treat.
Choosing to lie on their bed instead of jumping? Big reward.
Consistency is key. The more your dog connects good things with new people, the faster their mindset will shift.
Create a go-to guest prep checklist
To keep your dog’s stress levels low, create a quick routine every time someone’s coming over. Dogs love consistency—and it helps prepare them mentally for what’s about to happen.
Here’s a simple pre-visitor checklist for Richmond pet parents:
Take your dog on a walk through your neighborhood to release energy.
Set up a chew toy, puzzle feeder, or snuffle mat for mental stimulation.
Give your dog access to a calm, cozy space where they can retreat if needed.
Over time, this routine helps your dog feel more secure and less reactive when someone knocks at the door.
Help your dog adjust through scent and space
One great way to help your dog get used to new people? Let their nose lead the way. Dogs use scent to gather information, so allow your dog to sniff a visitor’s shoes, hands, or clothing before interacting.
If guests are staying overnight, let your dog explore the guest room (or luggage!) before they settle in. This helps create familiarity and minimizes anxiety.
Progress takes time — don’t rush it
If your dog has struggled with guests in the past, progress might come slowly. And that’s okay! Focus on small victories, like shorter barking episodes or calmly walking away instead of lunging.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress. With patience and practice, your dog can become more comfortable, and your home can be the welcoming place you’ve always wanted it to be.
DoodyCalls of Richmond keeps your yard clean, so you can focus on what matters
While you’re working on helping your pup be the best host possible, let DoodyCalls of Richmond handle the messy stuff. Our reliable pet waste removal service helps Richmond, VA homeowners keep their yards fresh, clean, and visitor-ready—no more worrying about last-minute backyard surprises.
Whether you’re planning a cookout, playdate, or family weekend, we’ve got your back. Because a clean yard isn’t just convenient — it’s essential for a stress-free home.
Schedule your first cleanup with DoodyCalls of Richmond today and take one more thing off your to-do list. Your guests will thank you — and so will your dog.
