Whether you have family visiting from out of town or plan to invite friends over for drinks, you likely have some holiday hosting planned. If you have a dog, however, the presence of strangers can inspire aggressive behaviors. Take the appropriate precautions to safeguard your guests, protect your dog from potential animal control seizures, and avoid potential personal injury lawsuits. Follow these tips to keep your animal calm.

3 Ways to Help Your Dog Stay Calm When You Have Company

1. Get Out Excess Energy

Daily exercise is not only good for dogs, but it also expends energy, leaving them calmer and easier to control. If you’re planning to have guests over, take your dog for their usual morning walk, and head out for a shorter walk soon before visitors arrive. When they are tired out, they will be less physically active.

2. Greet Guests With a Leash

A well-trained dog will be more alert to your commands when leashed. Putting a leash on your dog when answering the door allows you to control them in case they get over-excited. Even an innocent attempt to say “hello” by jumping on a guest can lead to a fall and personal injury. Keep a firm grip on the leash and remind your dog to sit.

3. Put Them in a Safe Space

If the above measures don’t work, put your dog in a separate room away from guests. Include water, food, and toys, and check in on them throughout the night. If your dog gets aggressive around strangers, you may want to board them in a kennel for the night. They will be happy, and your guests will be safe with no risk of personal injury.

Ibold & O'Brien handles personal injury lawsuits in Chardon, OH, offering top-quality legal representation to individuals who have been hurt by another person’s negligence. They have served clients since 1980, giving them the experience they need to handle your case with confidence. Their practice areas range from criminal defense to bankruptcy. Review their full list of practice areas online. To request a consultation, call (440) 285-3511.