YOUR TURN #2 - Door Manners

I often hear from dog owners that everything is great in their lives with dogs until someone rings the doorbell. When someone comes to the door, their lives fall away from the calm they are experiencing, and everything gets tense and loud and out of control and then people feel like failures. They feel embarrassed. They feel angry. They feel helpless. You are not helpless.

I usually wonder if everything is as peaceful as reported before the door debacle. When I predict that dogs are allowed on furniture without permission, aren't walked everyday because the family feels too busy, and when they are walked they pull, people think I'm a genius. I'm not a genius, and these are just a few of the things I can predict. There are a million small things we do everyday that show our dogs we're a bit soft. There are several things people do every day that show their dogs they're too hard, which isn't any better. Wanting people to enter your home without chaos is not demanding too much. This week, I will suggest a process of welcoming people that will keep everyone safe, and return your home to that peaceful, calm place you keep wishing for.

The elements involved are You, The Door, The Person, Your Dogs and A Sign.

Because many families and homes include spouses and teenagers and toddlers and cats and more than one door and everything in between and around, I will attempt to include all of these elements as well. If I miss one, or haven't included one that is important to you and your Door Manners experience, please tell me!

Your One Week To A Calmer Door starts tomorrow! Get ready!