How Your Dog Reacts to New People Entering Your Home

When filling out your Fortify Form after purchasing your Fortify Plan, one important detail is how your dog reacts to new people entering your home. Understanding your dog's behavior in these situations ensures that your Fortify Plan’s security recommendations are tailored not just to your household but to your dog’s specific temperament. Whether your dog is calm, anxious, friendly, active, or aggressive around visitors, this guide will help you identify your dog's behavior to complete your Fortify Form accurately.

1. Anxious Dog Around New People

Some dogs experience anxiety when new people enter their home. This can manifest as trembling, hiding, excessive barking, or pacing. Dogs with anxiety may not feel comfortable with strangers and need time to adjust to unfamiliar faces.

Signs of Dog Anxiety with Strangers:

Hiding or retreating to a safe space when visitors arrive.
Barking or whining excessively.
Pacing or showing signs of nervousness like shaking.

If your dog shows signs of anxiety around new people, it’s important to note this in your Fortify Form. This will help ensure the security recommendations include strategies for managing dog anxiety with strangers and creating a calm environment for your pet.

2. Calm Dog with Visitors

A calm dog reacts to new people with composure and ease. These dogs may approach visitors slowly, sniff them, and then settle down. Calm dogs are often well-socialized and do not react strongly to unfamiliar guests.

Signs of a Calm Dog Greeting Strangers:

Approaches visitors without fear or hesitation.
Sniffs the guests briefly and then lies down or goes about their routine.
Maintains a relaxed demeanor throughout the visit.

If your dog is calm and relaxed when new people enter your home, be sure to indicate this in your Fortify Form. Calm dog behavior ensures that your security plan can focus on other elements without needing significant pet-related adjustments.

3. Friendly Dog Behavior

A friendly dog often greets new people with excitement, wagging its tail, and seeking attention. These dogs love interacting with visitors and may approach them right away, eager for pats and affection.

Signs of a Friendly Dog Reaction:

Wagging tail and happy demeanor when meeting new people.
Approaches guests for attention and interaction.
Often enjoys being petted or playing with visitors.

If your dog exhibits friendly dog behavior, make sure to include this in your Fortify Form. Friendly dogs generally don’t pose security concerns but may require monitoring to ensure they don’t overwhelm visitors with their excitement.

4. Active Dog Behavior When Meeting New People

An active dog greets guests with high energy. These dogs may jump, run around, or bark excitedly when someone new enters the home. While their excitement can be friendly, it’s important to manage their behavior to avoid overwhelming visitors.

Signs of Active Dog Behavior with Guests:

Jumping or running around when someone arrives.
Excitable barking and a high level of energy.
May run to the door before guests can enter.

If your dog tends to be overly excited or energetic when meeting new people, be sure to report this behavior in your Fortify Form. Active dog greeting guests may require additional measures to ensure visitors are comfortable and the dog remains under control.

5. Aggressive Dog with Strangers

An aggressive dog may react to new people entering your home with growling, barking, or even attempts to bite. Aggressive behavior often stems from fear, territorial instincts, or poor socialization and needs to be managed carefully to ensure the safety of both the dog and visitors.

Signs of Aggressive Dog Reactions:

Growling, barking, or showing teeth when strangers approach.
Lunging at or trying to bite visitors.
Defensive posturing, such as stiff body language or raised hackles.

If your dog displays aggressive behavior toward strangers, it’s crucial to include this in your Fortify Form. Managing aggressive dogs may require specific security measures to protect guests and ensure your home remains a safe environment.

Why Your Dog’s Behavior with Guests Matters for Your Fortify Form