How do I make my friends who are terrified of my dogs, actually think she is nice, like she really is?

Question

My friends (well most of 'em) are terrified of my dog. And she really is nice. She comes in a little strong though. Like she pushes right into you and jumps up and down. But she's just happy! How do I make my dog calm down, or just get my friends to know this is only because she never sees them? (She acts perfectly normal when it's just my family.) I try telling them that this is not the real her, but they're still running for the show we were watching downstairs after we grab a snack. I feel like my dog might think that we're running off to play without her.



I would perfer an answer of how to calm my dog, I don't think my friends can really stop being scared of her as long as she is jumping up and down.


And don't say get a trainer because... well... already tried that. Didn't do a thing!

Answer 1

I have to tell you a secret... dogs dont take people who fear them seriously and they get secret amusement from bullying or pushing them around. Your dog doesnt do the same things to your family because she takes them seriously and respects them.. she doesnt respect your friends and is capitolizing on their fear and bullying them. It happens all the time with my dog.. my last boyfriend was such a wimp my dog harassed him all the time no matter what I said to him but he never bugs me cause he knows I wont stand for it. Its because the person who the dog is bugging needs to stand up for THEMSELVES or the dog will never take them seriously, ever.. and will continue to single them out to bug. Its about dominance in a way.. if the dog can make people pay attention to him/her no matter in what way then the dog starts to think they are weak and cant defend themselves from their advances and it just gets worse.. You need to tell your friends to stop being so wimpy and tell the dog to stop jumping or bugging them.. tease them make fun of them belittle them until they realize they are being ridiculous to let a dog push them around and jump all over them. Show them how to take control and tell the dog to leave them alone. Trust me they will like the dog alot more once they realize they can tell the dog what to do.. and boss her around. And the dog will respect them alot more because of it.

Answer 2

Ok I'm not saying get a trainer - become one yourself ! -sounds like you have a GREAT dog - shes just over excitable..

Training only works if you & visitors & family etc living with the dog are consistant ALL the time..

You don't say how large or small she is .... Lots on extra small & small/medium dogs tend to jump- large too but I find small & mid sized most often.

A) if your dog's smaller in size try picking it up to greet people so they are more at eye level , let the person say hello , pet it etc for a few minuites, then place the dog on its bed or floor if its not calmed down read further

If the dog hasn't seemed to have calmed down try putting its leash on it - get the dog to sit / down stay what ever one works whilein the precence of visitors , praise it whenits calm , pet it give it treats etc

B) another idea is when the dog jumps at a person - take a step back ( away from the dog ) - it may take awhile but the dogs eventually get it

c) stop your friends from running around scared or not - thats how people get dog bites - even if the do is friendly & fantastic- running & screaming people look like great prey for a dog - nomatter what size they are

d) obedience train your dog so every time you tell it to sit stay or comeetc it listens

e) dogs can Smell fear - if yor scared friends act & feel scared the worse your dog most likely will be.
My dog was petrified & curious regarding my good friend who was TOTALL terrified of dogs - once they both came to an understanding of each others they are like best buddies now & if shes in town visiting the two of them aren't easily seperated

So its possibl;le but first get your dog well trained - if she isn't well trained have your dog leashed when friends visit & with hard work your dogs & hopefully your friends behaviour will get better

Answer 3

This may go along the lines of what the trainer had done, but have you tried having a friend (one who's not fearful of your canine) walk by while your pet's on a leash? Doing so, she'll probably jump and try to get to them. Have them walk by and not glance her way AT ALL. Ignore her basically till she's quieted down or simply sitting or not acting so hyper active. Once she is a little relaxed, that friend and you should reward her but quickly step back when she starts up again as to not stimulate her to do it thinking it's alright now.(This may not work as some dogs just get more excited and sometimes frustrated) If this has already been done, or does not work, I'm sorry I cannot help you.

Answer 4

firstly, excercise your doggy more and harder...a well excercised dog should be tired out and calm..if he is jumping around excitedly it is because he has lots of energy.
also, when new people come over make them ignore the dog completely..if anyone pets or talk to or even looks at the dog when she is acting excited, it encourages that behavior.
When someone comes over, make her lie down, before they come in give them strict instructions to don't look at the dog, don't talk to the dog, don't touch the dog....
make your dog lie down when someone comes to the door..if this takes time..tell whomever is at the door that you have to control your dog and ask that they wait patiently.
Running from your exhuberant dog is play to the dog...when the dog runs at you..you put your head up, chest out, and move confidently towards the dog..this they see as dominance, and they will generally back away from you.
This behavior needs to be stopped early because it can often lead to biting and attacking...and lawsuits and people getting hurt, it's just a good idea to stop it quickly.

Answer 5

Have you ever trained your own dog? If you can teach her to sit and keep working on it, she will be able to sit when people come to visit. If your dog can sit while your guest go and sit down, then she could meet them calmly.

I have three dogs that mob the door when people come. I have been doing training breaks where they sit and get treats or sit and come or lie down. Dogs need to know these things.

Answer 6

your friends are terrified, and you don't get it? Your dog is out of control with your friends, period. Your dog is a pack animal, out to protect you and the rest of your pack(family). He/she has no regard for outsiders (your friends) unless YOU choose to require him to. I recommend Cesar's Way (a book) to understand what is going on in your dog's mind. Quit thinking your dog thinks like you. She doesn't. If you think I'm harsh, I'm a certified detection dog handler, with a dog trained in Schutzhund (German for protection dog) who thinks he knows more about people than me. He's probably right, and at 95#, he's got the muscle to enforce that opinon, but I refuse to let him. It takes time,discipline and a lot of love for your dog (and your friends) to ensure their safety, and your dogs' happiness. Do you walk your dog at least 3 miles a day? (Very good). Do you give treats every time you want your dog to like you? (Very bad). You're the boss of her pack, better get used to it.

Answer 7

Ever seen the Dog Whisperer? His methods work!

Answer 8

idk have them get to know dogs like you know them