I’m updating my guest prep protocol. It’s based on the FDM Off Duty Hack. They put out an “official” (I think it’s official?) document. The info is good, but I find it hard to read. I also feel it left out a very important piece of information: examples of high value chews/activities to have ready for your dog.
For the longest time I had a zero percent success rate with this. Even though I ran through the process before our lesson and provided the document I arrived at many homes to find the dog behind a gate with a kong stuffed with peanut butter. Or kibble – because it’s dinner time so he should be hungry and want his kibble even though the super exciting person with the really awesome reinforcement just walked in, right?
Then one day I put in writing what to specifically get, and I walked into a home to find their dog behind a gate working on a beef trachea that had been stuffed with ground beef. Just like we discussed. But now they had something to go back and reference with all the details.
Just recently a few clients told me they like having the steps in order or exactly what they should be doing. I also feel this format is just easier to read, print, highlight, etc.
Eventually I’m going to add to the guide teaching an emergency recall cue for those surprise visitors and adding treat & retreat.
I also found this great video from “I Got This SIT, LLC” that shows it in action.
Feel free to adjust to your needs.
This is also copy/pasted from a google doc and I didn’t spend a lot of time reformating so it may or may not look wonky on your device. A large screen is recommended.
Introduction
Whether it’s friends or a repair person your dog doesn’t need to go anywhere near the door when someone enters your home. They don’t need to greet them and they don’t need to learn to sit at the door as someone comes in. What we want to teach them is they don’t need to get excited, everything is cool and we have things under control.
What we’ll be doing is creating a space for them where they’ll have access to reinforcement that will keep them busy and help them get over the excitement of someone coming into the home. They’ll be able to see the person come in, or to the door, but not have access.
What you’ll need
HIGH VALUE TREATS
This isn’t the time for peanut butter Kongs! We need stinky meaty products. Think beef tripe. Think liverwurst. Both kinda make me gag when I think about them.
This is the most important part and many of my clients struggle with this step. Here are my recommendations.
- Nothing they get on a regular basis. This includes the food they get at meal time.
- Barkworthy trachea (or something similar from another brand) stuffed with wet food they haven’t had before, ground beef or lamb, tripe, liverwurst, etc
- The brand of Liverwurst I purchase is John Morrell Braunschweiger. For those of you near a Stop & Shop that is where I purchase it.
- If you can’t find that specific brand just be sure whichever you purchase has no extras like onions and/or garlic.
- Some brands have bacon added. Bonus!
- Other things to give them in addition to the stuffed trachea.
- Snufflemat to encourage sniffing.
- Sniffing promotes relaxation.
- Kong, Toppl, Lickimat
- Licking is soothing.
- Cardboard box to shred or bully stick or other long lasting chew.
- Dogs enjoy shredding and chewing. They are natural behaviors.
- It’s very important that these are given in addition to the stuffed trachea.
- Snufflemat to encourage sniffing.
Safe Space
- A space where you can set up your dog behind a gate.
- NOT A CRATE
- Provide a bed or blanket in the space so they can get comfortable.
- They can see who is coming in.
- We want them to see who is coming in and watch our body language and reactions to see there is nothing to be concerned about.
- You should also be able to see them to supervise, especially when chewing and shredding.
- Some dogs may need to be leashed/tethered to something in combination with a gate. The tether should be long enough for them to lie down and reposition themselves.
- Water bowl. The first time you do this there could be some jumping at the gate, so place the water bowl where they won’t land on it.
- Leash to tether your dog for an extra level of security if you feel it is necessary.
Practice Runs & Other Tips
- Practice with a family or friend that your dog is used to coming into the home. That will help keep the excitement level down.
- Communicate to your guests and delivery drivers (where applicable):
- Text when you arrive, are parking, driving down the street, etc.
- DO NOT RING THE DOORBELL
- Cover the doorbell and/or add a note not to ring it.
- DO NOT KNOCK ON THE DOOR
- Put up a “no knocking” sign
- Don’t interact with the dog at all.
- No sniffing hand
- No attempting to pet
- Don’t look at them
- Follow any other instructions explicitly.
- Be prepared, you never know when a spontaneous game night is going to happen. Keep a few stuffed tracheas in the freezer.
- Don’t forget to take one out early to soften up.
- When possible take your dog out for an activity they enjoy earlier in the day before your guests are scheduled to arrive.
The Setup
You have two options
- If you know when your guests are arriving put your dog behind the gate and give them their treats a few minutes before arrival time.
OR
- When the doorbell or knock at the door happens, use a cue like “company!” and bring them to their off duty space.
- You can practice this before people come over.
- You can also practice with people that your dog knows and doesn’t get too excited about.
When your guests arrive, let them in without any commotion or over excitement. Your guests should do their best to ignore your dog.
Your dog might go through their normal routine of barking, jumping, etc – IGNORE THEM. Act naturally. Tell your guests to act naturally. It may take a few seconds or minutes but they will almost always go back to their high value treats.
You can let your dog join the group after they have finished their chews. They may decide to stay where they are and take a nap. And that is ok!