How to Help Your Dog Settle When Visitors Arrive

The doorbell goes, new people arrive, and everyone starts talking at once. For a dog, that's a lot to take in. 

If your dog usually barks at the doorbell or gets overexcited when visitors arrive, you can practise a few simple exercises to help them get used to it.

Start with a simple exercise in a quiet house. A mat, a handful of treats and a few short sessions are enough to get started.

Start with a mat away from the door

Put a familiar mat or bed where your dog can rest away from the hallway. This can be their safe spot for when visitors arrive.

1. Stand next to the mat and point to it. If your dog is unsure, start by rewarding them for taking a step towards it. When they step onto the mat, give them a treat while they’re still on it.
2. Once they’re happy stepping onto the mat, try waiting a moment before giving the next treat. If they sit or lie down on their own, reward them there. Let them get up whenever they want to.
3. When they’re going to the mat easily, say ‘mat’ or ‘bed’ just before you point to it. Use the same word each time so your dog learns what you’re asking.

Try them with the doorbell

Once your dog is happy going to the mat, it’s time to see how they react to the doorbell.

1. Start with your dog on the mat and play a doorbell recording at a very low volume. Or ask someone in the house to knock softly on an inside door while you stay near your dog.
2. If your dog hears the sound and stays relaxed, give them a treat on the mat. Leave a short pause between sounds so they have time to settle.
3. If your dog keeps barking, starts pacing or moves away, pause and give them space. Next time, try a quieter sound or move further away from the door.
4. Practise in short sessions on different days. When the quiet sound is easy for your dog, turn it up a little. Once they’re comfortable with that, ask someone they know to ring the real doorbell while you stay with your dog.

Make arrivals easier for everyone

Ask guests to text when they’re outside so you have time to get your dog comfortable. Before you open the front door, guide your dog to their mat or to a quiet room they already like. If they’re likely to rush the door, have someone stay with them in that room while you let your guests in.

Have visitors come in and sit down first. Ask them to give your dog space and let your dog choose whether to approach. You could say, ‘Just give them a minute to get used to you.’ Keep children away from your dog’s resting spot and supervise any interaction.

Give your dog somewhere quiet to take a break

Set out water and familiar bedding in a quiet spot, away from guests. If they enjoy a chew, offer it in their quiet spot while you’re there to supervise. Pick one that suits their size and chewing style. The Dewkes Chill & Chew Bundle includes options for relaxed downtime.

What if your dog is worried by visitors?

Give them distance and arrange for them to rest away from guests. If they regularly show signs of fear, growl or lunge, speak to your vet about support from a qualified behaviourist. See Dogs Trust’s visitor training guide and our guide to keeping your dog calm at Christmas for more ways to prepare.