Why Greetings Matter
For many dogs, greetings set the tone for every social encounter. Jumping, lunging, or barking can make people uncomfortable and create tension with other dogs. Owners often feel embarrassed when their pets don’t greet politely, especially in public spaces. At IQ K9 Training in San Diego, we believe teaching structured greetings makes life easier for both dogs and their families.
Common Challenges with Greetings
Not all dogs handle greetings the same way. Some rush forward with excitement, unable to control their impulses, while others bark defensively out of nervousness. These behaviors can easily lead to misunderstandings with strangers or even conflicts with other dogs. Without guidance, what starts as an innocent hello can quickly become a stressful situation.
Teaching Calm Behavior
Our training programs focus on giving dogs the tools they need to remain calm during introductions. Commands like “sit,” “stay,” or maintaining eye contact help redirect energy into positive behavior. Practicing patience during greetings reduces excitement and makes the interaction predictable for both the dog and the owner. These simple routines turn chaotic moments into calm exchanges.
Greeting Other Dogs
Meeting other dogs requires careful practice because body language plays such a major role in canine communication. At IQ K9 Training, we supervise controlled introductions to help dogs learn what polite behavior looks like. Neutral greetings teach dogs to approach calmly without overwhelming the other animal. Over time, this helps dogs build confidence and avoid negative experiences.