Build a Calm Stay at the Door for Guests

Use this to prepare your dog for calm greetings when visitors arrive.

  1. 1Cue your dog to stay, using a cot to help hold position if useful.
  2. 2Walk toward the door, then return to your dog, mark, and reward.
  3. 3Touch the door handle, return, mark, and reward.
  4. 4Turn the handle, return, mark, and reward.
  5. 5Open the door slightly, return, mark, and reward.
  6. 6Open the door fully and say "Hi, come on in!" with no one actually there, then return, mark, and reward.
  7. 7Once solid, add a real person: repeat the same steps, having them pause just inside the doorway while you mark and reward your dog.
  8. 8Progress to the guest walking in, sitting down, or greeting your dog, depending on your goals.

Practice the door routine without a guest first, then add a helper only once it's reliable.

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