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Why manage introductions

  • Develop good associations

    Managed introductions help your dog create a good association with each new person they meet and increase the likelihood that they have a positive and healthy relationship

  • Safety and comfort

    Managing introductions between your dog and new people helps ensure the safety and comfort of both your dog and the individuals involved, reducing the risk of aggressive or fearful reactions

  • Avoid overstimulation

    Doing so helps promote a calm and relaxed state of mind for your dog, reducing stress and anxiety by gradually acclimating them to new individuals and environments.

"Rules To Follow"

Why rules are important

Introducing your dog to new people is all about managing your dog’s emotional state, as well as the expectations of other people. A well managed introduction can make or break the relationship between your dog and new people. For this reason, you want to give your guests explicit rules when meeting your dog.

Rules to provide your guests

Ask your guests to:


• Avoid touching, talking to or making eye contact with your dog 

• Meet outside and drop treats on the ground for your dog

• Go on a walk with you and your dog before heading inside


"People Entering Your Home"

Follow these steps when a guest comes inside


• Keep treats or others rewards at your door so that your guest has easy access when they arrive, and your dog gets used to being rewarded in the same location every time a guest comes over


• Play the “Find It” game. When inside, play the “Find It” game. This is a great way to distract your pup and help them manage exciting or stressful situations. Sniffing, the core component of the “Find It” game, reduces stress and will help your pup relax. To play, simply toss a treat on the ground and say “Find it”. Use kibble or small treats, and repeat tossing a piece of kibble or treat for 1-2 minutes. Remember to only deliver your pup treats on the ground.


• Give your pup a work-to-eat toy. After your pup has played “Find It”, consider giving them their dinner or a snack in a work-to-eat toy. A few of our favorites are: the Fun feeder, KONG classic toy and Toppl. Providing your pup a work-to-eat toy, filled with something long lasting like peanut butter, will help keep your pup’s mouth occupied while getting used to new people in their space.


Products we love

• Lamb lung. Dogs love these and they're perfect because they're very small.

• Treat pouch. A pouch is a great place to hold your treats.