If you’re a pet parent in East Tennessee, you know hospitality runs deep here. Whether you're having friends over for a cookout in Knoxville, welcoming family to your home in Maryville, or hosting a weekend get-together in Johnson City, it’s common to have company around. But for many dogs, visitors can be a source of stress or overstimulation.
At DoodyCalls of East Tennessee, we know how much you want your dog to be part of the family fun—not the reason guests feel uncomfortable. If your dog gets overly excited, barks too much, or hides when someone new walks through the door, we’ve got some simple, effective ways to help them feel more confident and at ease.
Understand your dog’s behavior patterns around visitors
First things first—observe how your dog reacts when someone comes over. Not all dogs respond the same way, and recognizing your pup’s comfort level is key.
Pay attention to things like:
Barking, growling, or whining at the door
Tail-tucking or pacing once guests are inside
Jumping up, pacing, or clinging to one family member
Some dogs get nervous with strangers, while others are just bursting with excitement. Either way, your approach should be tailored to your dog's unique personality.
Ease into new interactions with calm, familiar faces
Dogs, like people, do best with gradual introductions. If your pup gets overwhelmed easily, don’t jump straight to a big event or party. Start by inviting over one or two calm, familiar guests for a short visit.
Here’s how to structure those visits in East TN homes:
Ask your guest to come in slowly and stay seated at first.
Allow your dog to sniff from a distance without pressure.
Use treats to reward quiet, relaxed behavior—every little bit counts!
This step-by-step exposure helps build your dog’s comfort and reduces stress over time.
Have a game plan for visits that include children
In family-friendly East Tennessee neighborhoods, visitors often include young kids—and dogs don’t always know what to make of them. Fast movements, high-pitched voices, and unpredictable behavior can easily overwhelm even the calmest pup.
Try these tips:
Create a quiet retreat space for your dog to rest if things get too chaotic.
Supervise all child-dog interactions, especially if your dog is unsure.
Teach children basic pet etiquette—no tugging, chasing, or sudden hugs.
When both sides understand how to respect each other’s space, everyone’s safer and happier.
Practice good behavior with positive reinforcement
The best way to help your dog improve around guests is to reinforce the behaviors you do want to see. If your pup sits instead of jumps, or stays on their bed instead of barking, reward that behavior immediately.
Simple strategies:
Keep a treat pouch handy by the front door.
Use a verbal cue like “place” or “bed” to guide your dog to a calm spot.
Reward even small steps—like staying quiet for the first minute after someone arrives.
With regular practice, your dog will learn what earns praise (and snacks!).
Give your dog a routine to rely on
Dogs love routine—it gives them a sense of security. Before guests arrive, give your pup some physical and mental stimulation so they’re not brimming with nervous energy.
Try this East TN-approved prep:
Take your dog for a walk around the block or through Ijams Nature Center.
Offer a puzzle toy or frozen treat to keep them occupied during arrivals.
Set up a quiet, cozy space for them to escape to if they need a break.
Sticking to a routine can make a huge difference in your dog’s behavior and overall mood.
Let your dog explore through scent first
Sniffing is how dogs learn about new people and surroundings. If someone new walks in, let your dog take their time getting familiar by scent before initiating close contact.
Encourage guests to stay relaxed and let your pup investigate things like bags or shoes—this helps build trust and keeps your dog from feeling overwhelmed.
Progress takes time—go easy on your pup
It’s totally normal if your dog doesn’t transform overnight. Behavior change happens gradually. Celebrate even the tiniest bit of improvement—maybe your dog barks less, greets more politely, or walks away instead of hiding.
East Tennessee pet owners know: patience and consistency pay off. Stay the course, and your pup will get there.
Keep your yard guest-ready with DoodyCalls of East Tennessee
While you focus on training your pup to be the perfect host, we’ll take care of the mess outside. DoodyCalls of East Tennessee provides pet waste removal services to keep your yard clean, fresh, and ready for visitors—two-legged and four-legged alike.
Whether you’re hosting friends on your back deck in Johnson City, grilling out in Maryville, or just enjoying your fenced-in yard in Knoxville, don’t let pet waste get in the way. We’ll handle the dirty work so you can focus on the fun.
Ready for a cleaner yard and a more confident pup?
Book your first service with DoodyCalls of East Tennessee today—and turn your backyard into a worry-free zone for guests and pets alike.