--- title: "Introducing Your Pet to Strangers" id: "121190" type: "post" slug: "introducing-your-pet-to-strangers" published_at: "2021-11-12T16:08:00+00:00" modified_at: "2026-02-27T18:30:12+00:00" url: "https://petlandoklahoma.com/2021/11/12/introducing-your-pet-to-strangers/" markdown_url: "https://petlandoklahoma.com/2021/11/12/introducing-your-pet-to-strangers.md" excerpt: "As a pet parent, if you’re going to be having guests in the house with your pet present, then this is an essential step. Ideally, the socialization process should begin as soon as your pup comes home. Invite friends and..." taxonomy_category: - "Petland" --- [Home](https://petlandoklahoma.com/) / [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/blog/) / [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) / **Introducing Your Pet to Strangers** [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) # Introducing Your Pet to Strangers November 12, 2021 · 3 min read · [cosmick](https://petlandoklahoma.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandoklahoma.com) As a pet parent, if you’re going to be having guests in the house with your pet present, then this is an essential step. Ideally, the socialization process should begin as soon as your pup comes home. Invite friends and family over, and have them interact with your pup so that he gets used to the feel of other people outside of yourself. Pups have different personalities and would naturally react differently when meeting strangers for the first time. So, whether the meeting is outdoors or indoors, here are 5 steps to help you ace pet-human introductions: 1. **Stay On Top of the Entire Exchange** This starts right from when the doorbell rings. Keep your dog on a leash, and correct unpleasant behavior like barking or charging at the door using a firm but calm tone. Once your guest enters, ensure that they are interacting with you and ignoring your pup. This strange but correct action allows your pet to understand that they don’t pose a threat, and this should help him relax. Next, allow your dog to get a few sniffs of your guest, and he should be more relaxed afterward. Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies. Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now. [Meet our puppies](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/) 1. **Keep Intros Short Initially** This especially applies when your pet gets easily excited. Watch his behavior, if you note any buildup of aggression or agitation, slow the process down. You may need to keep the leash on for the entire duration of the visit, this would help you keep control of the situation. Furthermore, a calm tone and lots of loving physical contact should help. 1. **Reward Good Behavior** If your pup remains calm when he hears a knock instead of racing to the door, this is behavior that should be rewarded. You could allow your visitor to do the honors even, this would help him relax. Furthermore, it would reinforce the message that remaining calm is a pathway to treatsville. Even from visitors! Still reading? Our puppies are waiting. Healthy, happy pups ready to meet their families — see who's available today. [Meet our puppies](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/) 1. **Employ Commands** If your pet starts to appear startled, use any of the basic commands, “Sit”, “Stay”, “Off” and “Lie Down” which are already in his vocabulary. Similarly, you should use a calming tone when doing this. It would serve to take away the building fear. This also indicates that your attention is still on him even with strangers around. Ensure that your guest’s manner is calming as well. No eye contact with your pet for the first minute or two a slow approach is one of the fundamentals. 1. **Provide Safe Grounds** A secure, calming space where your pup can retire to when he’s spooked is pretty essential. You want him to retreat and not attack or face his fears if he’s feeling threatened. Apart from a crate, using a doggy gate is a good idea as well. The gate serves as a separation between your pup and your guest, and he can observe from a safe distance. Since he’s in a safe space, he can then evaluate the situation more calmly. And over time, you should be able to do introductions without any hassle. [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandoklahoma.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. [Browse all puppies](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/) - 28 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Lewisville S. - Male #4449](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-american-shepherd/miniature-american-shepherd-4449/) ### [Miniature American Shepherd](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-american-shepherd/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387) - 27 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Olympia - Female #4460](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-schnauzer/mini-schnauzer-4460/) ### [Mini Schnauzer](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-schnauzer/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387) - 30 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Gambit - Female #4459](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/shih-tzu-4459/) ### [Shih Tzu](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387) - 27 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Venus - Female #4456](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/pomeranian-4456/) ### [Pomeranian](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387) - 22 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Serena - Female #4455](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/shiba-inu/shiba-inu-4455/) ### [Shiba Inu](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/shiba-inu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387) - 32 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Peyton - Female #4454](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles/cavalier-king-charles-4454/) ### [Cavalier King Charles](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387) - 27 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Randy J. - Male #4453](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-4453/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387) - 25 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Wilson - Male #4447](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/pomeranian-4447/) ### [Pomeranian](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387) - Sale 33 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Dunkin - Male #4452](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/australian-cattle-dog/australian-cattle-dog-4452/) ### [Australian Cattle Dog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/australian-cattle-dog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387) - Sale 27 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Rookie - Female #4451](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/australian-cattle-dog/australian-cattle-dog-4451/) ### [Australian Cattle Dog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/australian-cattle-dog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387) - 26 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Racer - Male #4446](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/teddy-bear/teddy-bear-4446/) ### [Teddy Bear](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/teddy-bear/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387) - 27 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Nugget - Female #4443](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/shih-tzu-4443/) ### [Shih Tzu](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387) Loading more pets… You've reached the end. Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet. Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation. [Start a Special Order](https://petlandoklahoma.com/special-orders/) #### **Related** Articles [View All Articles](https://petlandoklahoma.com/blog/) - [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/10/01/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/10/01/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/10/01/understanding-puppy-body-language/) In this articleHow can you tell when your puppy is relaxed?What does a puppy’s playful body language look like?How can you recognize… October 1, 2026 - [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/09/01/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/09/01/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/09/01/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s… September 1, 2026 - [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/08/01/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/08/01/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/08/01/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) In this articleStart with Your Lifestyle, Not Just LooksMeet Five Popular Breeds and Their Best MatchPetland Helps Beyond Puppy DayYour Perfect Match… August 1, 2026 - [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/06/01/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/06/01/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/06/01/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) In this articleDifferent Breeds, Different Summer CareersWhy Understanding Personality MattersThe Best Summer Job of All? Being Your Dog Stay connected via Google… June 1, 2026 - [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/05/01/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/05/01/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) · [Pet Store](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/pet-store/) · [Petcare](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petcare/) · [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) · [Veterinary](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/veterinary/) ## [Myth Busting: Why Petland is a Good Choice When Bringing a Puppy Home](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/05/01/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) In this articleWhy Where Your Puppy Comes From Truly MattersLet’s Talk About the Concerns You May Have HeardWhat Makes Petland a Trusted… May 1, 2026 - [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/04/01/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/04/01/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) · [Petcare](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petcare/) · [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) · [Veterinary](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/veterinary/) ## [AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/04/01/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) In this articleWhat Is AKC Registration?What Is Health Testing?How AKC Registration and Health Testing Work TogetherHow Petland Supports Responsible BreedingHelping Families Find… April 1, 2026 - [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/03/01/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/03/01/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [Spring Fever, Fur Real: What Happens to Your Dog’s Personality When Winter Ends?](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/03/01/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) dog behavior changes in spring March 1, 2026 - [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is often a heart… February 1, 2026 - [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [The Love Languages of Dogs (Yes, They’re Real!)](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) Fact: your dog is absolutely saying "I love you"… just not with words If you've ever fallen down a relationship rabbit hole,… February 1, 2026 - [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/understand-dog-love-languages/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/understand-dog-love-languages/) [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [The Love Languages of Dogs (Yes, They’re Real!)](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/understand-dog-love-languages/) In this articleYes, Dogs Have Love Languages, Just Their Own VersionThe Five Love Languages of DogsWhy Knowing Your Dog’s Love Language MattersFinal… February 1, 2026 - [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/01/07/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/01/07/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/01/07/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy…… January 7, 2026 - [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/01/01/petland-puppy-ethics/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/01/01/petland-puppy-ethics/) [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/01/01/petland-puppy-ethics/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is a big, emotional… January 1, 2026 **EXCELLENT** Based on **2510 reviews** Posted on Google j carver Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.I’ve been thinking about adopting so I stopped in the other day to ask some questions. A young man named terry helped me and he was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I will be back! Posted on Google Daniel Quill Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.I have been really unsure about what pet I should bring home as I’ve recently experienced a loss & didn’t know what kind of companion would support me best. A worker by the name of Terry listened to my concerns with compassion & grace. He matched me with the best fury friend I could have ever asked for. Great service!! Highly recommend!!! Posted on Google Tavian McMartin Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.My wife and i stopped in to look at puppies to expand our family, and we were met with a welcoming environment, and some of the friendliest staff weve had the privilege of meeting. They were very attentive, and helped us find our dream puppy! Shout out to Terry for treating us like long time friends, and for making it a smooth process. We wish we could give more than 5 stars! Posted on Google joseph Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Terry was a big help. Would recommend this store Posted on Google Tom Autry Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Terry was a big help and very knowledgeable. Will definitely be returning when I’m in the market for a new pet Posted on Google John Jones Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Staff was nice and animals were even better it was a nice experience in there Posted on Google DarkInsticts 2 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.I wanted to say it was my first time in petland because I just got a dog I couldn't have been more happy with all they had and the staff were so helpful in telling me what my dog is going to need and want so thank you Posted on Google Alex Johnzon Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.I went in the other day and was in awe of the animals they were all so pretty and taken care of. I was expecting it to smell and be loud like a pound, but the animals all were happy and I loved to interact with the animals Posted on Google Corbin Franks Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Awesome experience they took care of us the whole team was awesome and very friendly! Verified by Trustindex Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. [Read more](https://www.trustindex.io/?a=sys&c=wp-verified-badge&url=/the-trustindex-verified-badge/)