So the Relatives Are Coming: Teaching Your K9 to Guard Without Growling at Grandma

Holiday visits bring excitement—and stress—for dogs. New faces, scents, and sudden movements can spark protective instincts. Even the calmest dogs may guard their space, making it important to prepare them so the relatives arriving don’t unintentionally overwhelm them. With gentle, consistent training, your dog can remain alert yet relaxed, keeping everyone safe.

Establish Clear Boundaries

Before guests arrive, set a defined area where your dog can observe without feeling pressured. This could be a cozy corner, a rug, or a crate. Practice having family members approach slowly while your dog remains in this spot, rewarding calm behaviour. Over time, your dog learns that visitors are not a threat and that staying within boundaries earns praise and treats.

Control the Greeting

Instead of allowing a dog to rush at the door, instruct them to sit or lie down before any interaction. Guests can then offer attention only when your dog is calm. This reinforces that composed behaviour leads to positive experiences, while lunging or growling does not.

Gradual Exposure Reduces Anxiety

Introducing your dog to one or two relatives before the full gathering helps reduce stress. Short, controlled visits let your dog experience new faces in a manageable way, teaching them that people entering their home can be safe and friendly. This strategy is especially useful so the relatives can interact safely without triggering anxiety.

Channel Alertness Safely

You can redirect a dog’s natural guarding instincts through subtle cues, like a sit-and-watch position or a controlled bark on command. Reward your dog for using these behaviours instead of growling. This way, your dog fulfils its protective instincts in a safe, structured manner.

Manage High-Energy Situations

Guests moving unpredictably, waving hands, or reaching for items can trigger tension. Pre-visit walks or play sessions help burn off excess energy, while mentally stimulating activities like treat puzzles keep your dog engaged. A calm, focused dog is less likely to react defensively.

Practice Recall and Release Commands

Even well-trained dogs can misinterpret a situation. Reinforce emergency recall commands in low-stress settings, so you can safely remove your dog from potential tension during visits. Pair this with rewards to ensure recall becomes a positive, reliable behaviour.

Confident, Calm Holidays

With structured training and clear expectations, your dog can protect their home without growling at visiting family. Relatives are welcomed safely, and everyone enjoys a relaxed, stress-free holiday season.