Puppy Steps Daily Tip #5 — Polite Greetings

Jumping, barking, or overly excited behavior might seem cute when your puppy is little, but these habits can quickly become overwhelming as they grow. Teaching your puppy to greet people politely is an essential skill that helps them stay calm and well-mannered, making interactions with family, friends, and strangers much more enjoyable for everyone.

Here's how to teach your puppy polite greetings step by step:

Start Early and Stay Consistent

Begin teaching polite greetings as soon as possible to establish good habits. The earlier you start, the easier it is to prevent jumping and excitable behavior from becoming ingrained. Consistency is key—ensure everyone in your household is on the same page about not encouraging these behaviors during greetings.

💡 Tip: Even unintentional reinforcement (like petting or talking to your puppy while they jump) can encourage the behavior you're trying to prevent.

Teach an Alternative Behavior

Instead of punishing your puppy for jumping, redirect their energy into a positive behavior like sitting or standing calmly. This gives your puppy a clear understanding of what you want them to do instead.

• Sit for Greetings: Teach your puppy to sit as people approach. Reward them when they remain seated, even if they're excited.
• Keep All Four on the Floor: If sitting isn't working, reward your puppy for keeping all four paws on the ground during greetings.

Practice with Household Members

Start with members of your household before practicing with visitors. Have one person approach your puppy while you hold them on a leash or stand nearby.

• If your puppy jumps, calmly back away and ignore them until they calm down.
• When they remain calm or sit, reward them immediately with treats and praise.

Repeat this process to help your puppy associate calm behavior with attention and rewards.

Introduce Controlled Visitor Greetings

• Have the visitor ignore your puppy if they jump or act overly excited.
• Once your puppy calms, the visitor can reward them with gentle petting or treats.
• Gradually increase the level of excitement or distraction as your puppy improves.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Rewarding good behavior is the fastest way to teach your puppy polite greetings. Use treats, toys, or enthusiastic praise whenever they greet someone calmly. Positive reinforcement not only motivates your puppy to repeat the desired behavior but also strengthens your bond with them.

💡 Tip: Keep small treats handy during walks or outings to reinforce good behavior when meeting new people or dogs.

Be Patient and Consistent

It's natural for puppies to get excited, especially when meeting new people or animals. Stay patient and consistent, and don't expect perfection overnight. Regular practice and positive reinforcement will teach your puppy to control their impulses and greet others politely.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

• Jumping Continues: Ignore the jumping completely—no eye contact, touch, or voice until they calm down. Redirect to a sit or "all four on the floor" position.
• Too Excited to Sit: If your puppy struggles to stay calm, step back and wait for them to relax before approaching again.
• Overly Shy or Nervous: Give your puppy space to approach on their terms. Reward any calm or confident behavior to build their comfort.

Why Polite Greetings Matter

Teaching your puppy polite greetings isn't just about manners—it's also a safety measure. A calm, well-mannered dog is less likely to overwhelm small children, knock someone over, or scare people uncomfortable around dogs. These skills will serve your puppy well throughout their life, making every interaction a positive one.

Polite greetings also build your puppy's self-control and reinforce your role as a leader. With consistent guidance and clear expectations, you strengthen your bond and pave the way for better behavior in other areas.

💡 Remember: Training polite greetings is about more than just teaching your puppy what not to do. By showing them how to behave appropriately and rewarding their progress, you're setting them up for a lifetime of positive interactions!

Celebrate the little wins and keep practicing. Each time your puppy greets someone calmly, it's a step towards a lifetime of positive interactions. Keep up the good work!