My dog is mostly out in kitchen/living area. And when people she knows comes over of course she stays with us. But I am finding it difficult at times when certain visitors are here. Workmen, children that she doesn’t know well (my own kids friends) etc. I get a bit stressed myself thinking I hope they know how to behave around dogs or should I give them a list of instructions or not. My dog is friendly but does have an anxious side to her. When new people come in she sniffs them and if they reach down to stroke her she either behaves perfectly and sweetly or she jumps back frightened. It seems to be largely dictated by how calm and confident the person who is visiting is around dogs.
I have started telling visitors to ignore her. Which works to an extent. But I am wondering if I need to aclimitise her to staying in utility room and that she doesn’t always get to meet guests.
does this work for you? I don’t want her to end up more anxious. I know if I did this tomorrow she would whine and cry to come out again. So would need to be a work in progress. My other option is to train her to stay in her basket only when people come over. Which would take a LOT of perseverance