10/28/2026
🚪 Does your dog lose it every time someone comes over?
The doorbell rings, someone new walks in, and your house suddenly feels unfamiliar to your dog. For many dogs, the barking, jumping, or hiding that follows comes from fear and uncertainty. They don’t know what’s about to happen, and they don’t know what they’re supposed to do about it. So we give them a job: go to Place.
👉 START WITHOUT ANY GUESTS
Choose a bed or mat within sight of the door, but not right in front of it. Lure your dog onto it, say “place,” and reward. Practice in short, calm sessions until they’re going to the mat on their own.
👉 BUILD UP HOW LONG THEY STAY
Reward them for staying on the mat for a few seconds, then gradually stretch it longer. Release them with a consistent word so they know when they’re done.
👉 ADD THE DOOR
Knock or ring the doorbell yourself, cue “place,” and reward big when they get there. Then start opening and closing the door while they stay on the mat.
👉 PRACTICE WITH A FRIEND
Ask someone your dog knows to come over and ring the bell. Keep treats handy and reward your dog for holding Place as your friend walks in.
👉 THEN TRY IT WITH REAL VISITORS
Keep the first few visits short and stay ready to reward. If your dog breaks Place, calmly guide them back to the mat. A leash can help here at the start.
✨ A dog with a job doesn’t have to figure out the door alone.
