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Q: How can I train a dog to not jump all over guests that visit the home?

From the very beginning, do not allow your dog to jump on guests! When a new visitor comes to the door, take a few minutes to make sure your dog stops barking and is in a seated-position when the person enters your home. At the same time, make sure that guests don't greet your dog in the traditional way: no getting down to the dog's level, petting, and talking to it.

There should be no touch, no talk, and no eye contact in the beginning. This gives the dog a chance to get used to your guest's scent without them giving any affection. Dogs are able to remember thousands of different scents, so after a few visits, your guest will be familiar to your dog. With every new person your dog meets, you should repeat this ritual.

Having small children visit the home is a little trickier. In these cases, supervision is key. Never allow your dog around kids that are just learning how to walk or who have too much physical energy. Instruct children not to pull on your dog's ears and tail. If a child is being too rough with your dog, gently show them a different way to touch. Eventually the dog will see that the child means no harm.

Do not allow anyone to touch the dog until it is in a calm-submissive state. Remember: practice makes perfect! Condition your guests to be pack leaders right away and your dog will learn quickly to behave, letting you focus on happily entertaining your friends.

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