A DIRECTOR of canine behaviour at the charity Dogs Trust is urging owners to start preparing their pets for at home socialising.

Dr Rachel Casey, director of canine behaviour & Research at Dogs Trust stressed the importance of owner’s staying “calm” when people come to the door, especially when it comes to dogs who were bought as puppies during lockdown and have had limited contact with visitors.

She said: “By training our dogs for more visitors, they can learn not to react to the sound of a doorbell or go to a ‘safe space’ when they hear it, and quietly wait there until visitors are settled.”

The charity has advised owners to start by knocking on hard surfaces at home and ignoring their dog’s response. If dogs show a strong reaction, for example barking or rushing to the door, owners should make the sound quieter and gradually increase the volume and number of knocks until their dog ignores them.

Dogs who remain calm in response to the noise should be rewarded with a treat and encouraged to run to their bed when they hear a door knock and then be given a treat when they do so.

Once dogs run to their beds automatically, they should be given a longer lasting treat that will occupy them while visitors are present.

For more information and tips visit the Dogs Trust website.