Jingle Bells, Not Jumping Spells – Greeting Guests Politely in Citrus Heights

Okay, folks—let’s set the scene: Twinkling lights, festive smells, eggnog cocktails, and your dog… launching into the room like they’re auditioning for the lead role in “Jumping on Aunt Marge: The Sequel.”

Doors open, guests stroll in—all nice and jolly—and your dog? Oh, they’ve got a greeting routine that says: “Hello! I am gravity‑defying fur missile. Please pet me mid‑face!”

No. We’re not having that this year. We’re staking our claim on polite greetings, calm paws, and actual holiday vibes—not a four‑legged bunny sitting on Grandma’s lap.

Welcome to Sit Happens Citrus Heights, where we specialize in in‑home socialization & greeting training, and yes—we’re going to transform your dog into the kind of guest greeter people actually like.

🎄 Why the Holidays = Greeting Madness

Your doorbell’s ringing more often than Rudolph’s sled bells. Friends, family, bowl of snacks… and your dog sees each visit as the perfect time to hit leap mode.

Here’s why it happens:

• Excitement overload: A new face arrives and your dog thinks the apocalypse of fun has begun.

• Attention‑economy mismanagement: Jumping = attention. Doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad. They got the vibe.

• No instruction manual: Your dog doesn’t know what correct means. They just know “I like you! Jump on you!”

Sources confirm: jumping on guests is natural for dogs, but that doesn’t make it safe—or polite. American Kennel Club+2TheGrubbyPuppy+2

🐾 What “Polite Greetings” Actually Means

Polite doesn’t mean boring. It means:

• Four paws on the floor (not paws at someone’s forehead)

• Calm tail wag—not full‑throttle boomerang bounce

• Accepting pets when you say “ok”—not grabbing them like they owe your guest money

• Recognizing “new person at the door” means “sit nicely” over “launch mode”

In other words—no more jumping spells. Let’s ring the jingle bells of polite.

🏡 Why In‑Home Training in Citrus Heights is the Move

You know where the chaos actually happens? When your dog launches from the couch, knocks over cousin Larry, and his scotch flies across the living room. That’s your house. Not some training facility with no distractions.

We work right there in the thick of it:

• Your front door area

• Entryway that becomes a petting mob

• Hallway where guests “just stop by for one minute” and stay for five

• Living room where your dog treats jumps like a competitive sport

In‑home training means we see your dog. Your space. Your chaos. So we build the fix into your actual life.

🛠 How We Fix Jumping Greetings (Without Losing Our Sanity)

Let’s walk through our plan:

✅ Step 1: Identify the Triggers

Doorbell? Knock? Friend’s bag crinkle? We isolate what starts the rocket launch.

✅ Step 2: Teach an Alternative Behavior

“Sit” or “place” when the door opens. Because you can’t sit and jump at the same time—simple logic. American Kennel Club+1

✅ Step 3: Reward the Good, Ignore the Leap

When your dog stays calm, you make a big deal. When they jump? Door remains closed, eyes away, no drama. They learn: calm = good. Jump = nothing. Next-Door K9 Solutions | Dog Training+1

✅ Step 4: Practice with Real Guests

We bring in guest simulations—ring the doorbell, guest enters, your dog practices. Because real life doesn’t happen in a controlled bubble.

✅ Step 5: Family & Guest Coaching

Every person who walks in should know: four paws on floor = pet. Jump = ignore. Consistency keeps the training real.

❌ Mistakes That Make Greeting Training Uglier Than Your Ugly Holiday Sweater

• Letting guests pet your dog while they’re jumping = approval.

• Yelling “off!” every time they jump but then petting five seconds later = mixed signals.

• No practice, just hope = hoping doesn’t work.

🎁 The Ideal Holiday Greeting Routine

Your doorbell rings. You take the lead. Your dog sits (or goes to designated “spot”). Guest enters. Dog calmly says hello. Tail moderate. No face diving. Your guest smiles. You smile. You serve cookies. Peace.

That’s the goal.

📞 Ready to Make It Work?

Don’t wait until you’re apologizing to Aunt Shirley for your dog’s face‑plant into her cranberry sauce. Call Sit Happens Citrus Heights today.
📞 (916) 886‑9908
We’ll come to your home, evaluate your dog’s greeting style—and fix it before the next guest arrives.