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over excited dog at meet and greets?

My dog gets super excited over new people because she loves everyone and everything so that makes her intimidate the other dog and freaks out the majority of pet parents. In reality, my dog is great with new dogs and calms down as soon as the people leave, and it can be frustrating when I lose good dogs with nice owners because of it. I always start with a short walk around the neighborhood during which my dog is chill and pretty much ignores everyone unless they talk to her. I used to walk around the block then lock my dog in her crate while the other dog sniffs around then let mine out, but that really just made my dog even more riled up so I've started keeping mine on leash inside. It lets her calm down some, but she just can't contain her happiness at having people in her house and gets worked up again not long after I let her loose. I am thinking about starting to ask the owners to leave us for a few minutes and let me send them video of of the dogs while they have stepped out. Does that seem like something owners would agree to and does anyone have other suggestions?

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I did extra training with placing and ask people not to give her attention, and she is doing much better! Some people still give her attention, but she is handling it better

Kellyn C.

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Walt G.

Book a Stay
Woodbridge, VA

If your dog remains calm on the initial walk with a new clients dog I would continue that practice, but after the walk I would crate your dog or put them in a safe area so they don't get over stimulated. If after the walk you feel the client is a good fit I would continue with the M&G but leave your dog out of the process. Best of luck

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I don't know if it is the owners I've happened to have or that my dog is a pitbull but none of them would allow that. That's why I can't just keep her on the leash inside because they want to see the dogs interact. Telling them isn't good enough

Kellyn C.

My dog does the same thing. She’s 17 pounds, so it’s a bit easier. However, she still gets riled up and likes to bark and lunge. I always keep her on a leash (keep doing that!) but I think the big difference for me, is that I always tell potential clients what she will do and why.

Tiffany M.

Con’t: I try to explain that she typically calms down after but she’s just a nervous dog at first. Most people have been appreciative about it and I’ve had people say no to meeting. It’s a bummer but it’s their choice. Dogs are animals and express themselves differently. Hope this helps. Good luck!

Tiffany M.

Walt, not sure why you get to say I have a bad boarding environment just because my dog is excited to have people inside for the meet. I crate her for drop off and pick up and she is an angel every other moment. She is a stellar and patient host, as am I and successful foster a calm home environment

Kellyn C.

Thanks Tiffany, mine doesn't bark or lunge or anything and I warn people. After these posts I think it is just because they are scared of pitbulls. She just wiggles like mad and at very worst will run from one person to another for attention until I get eye contact and make her sit.

Kellyn C.

Do I need to post even more pictures on my profile of my dog with other dogs? This is to Walt mostly but anyone else as well! Since having a large loving dog is bad, will it help me to have more pics? I have few, but I presume you checked before saying I create a bad environment? I am open to help

Kellyn C.

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Lisa H.

Hi Kellyn! I don't have dogs of my own any longer, but I often have other dogs I'm boarding or sitting while doing Meet & Greets. Unfortunately, there are many people that don't want to risk having their dogs around any kind of bulldog; I know that there are quite a few sitters who won't take them as well. Prior to the Meet & Greet, I am very upfront about the types of dogs I already have booked during a potential stay. If I have a dog that is particularly wild or anxious at first, I let the owners know that the dogs will likely be very excited and assure them they all get along well with others. If it's possible to have your dog on the other side of a gate or other separator where he/she doesn't feel confined and the dogs can sniff through, that could help. Most dog-savvy owners can tell by initial contact like that if the dog is friendly, even if it's very exuberant. I know some dogs get more excited around people and I make sure the owners know that, as well. I would definitely add at least 3 or 4 photos of your dog playing with others, and make sure your dog is described in your profile. If they can see the photos from previous dog stays, that helps too. I have a way to block off 2 areas of the house so that I can give the new dog space away if needed. I have found that owners find that comforting if they know there can be separation. I have lost potential clients because I've had bulldogs and/or boxers. I look at it as a good thing, because a nervous owner is likely not the best client for me; they would probably be happier with someone else, as well. Good luck and I hope that it works out!

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Thank you!

Kellyn C.

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