How Do I Train My Dog to Stay Calm Around People?

Why Dogs Lose It Around People

New smells. New energy. New noise. To a dog, guests can be overwhelming. Most hyper greetings come from excitement—not defiance. The fix isn’t punishment—it’s structure and calm leadership.

What Not to Do

• Yank the leash or shout "NO!" while they’re already overstimulated
• Let guests hype them up with high-pitched greetings
• Wait too long to interrupt chaotic behavior

Trainer-Approved Steps to Build Calm Greetings

1. Step 1: Lower Their Energy First
   Give your dog a short walk or training session with Chewy Chums NeverBite™ before people arrive. Burn off that first layer of excitement.
2. Step 2: Keep the Leash On During Introductions
   Guide them into a "sit" or "wait" as the guest enters. Calm behavior = access. Chaos = pause and reset.
3. Step 3: Redirect With a Toy, Not Just Commands
   If your dog barks or jumps, don’t scold—redirect. Offer NeverBite™ as a structured outlet and reward eye contact, not leaping.
4. Step 4: Stay Calm Yourself
   Your energy sets the tone. Move slow, speak softly, and lead the greeting like it’s no big deal.
5. Step 5: Repeat Over Days, Not Minutes
   One polite greeting doesn’t make the habit. Repeat the steps daily, especially with new people and environments.

Why NeverBite™ Helps the Process

• Puppet design lets you redirect instantly without touching your dog
• Squeaker builds focus in high-distraction moments
• Worn on your hand so you stay in control of the interaction
• Reinforces "gentle," "wait," and "drop it" during guest routines

Final Word From the Crew

Training your dog to stay calm around people isn’t about stopping the energy—it’s about redirecting it before it spills over. Be the leader. Set the tone. Use tools that guide—not just distract.

🏴☠️ Greet with calm. Redirect with purpose. Dog train and play with NeverBite™.