Make Homecomings Boring

The loudest trigger is you walking through the door. So shrink the drama. For the first two minutes home, act like the dog isn't there — no eye contact, no baby voice, no petting. Hang up your coat, check the mail.

Guests are the worst offenders — a new face is pure novelty, the biggest spike of all. Brief them before they ring the bell: no swooping in, no cooing. Hand each visitor a few treats to toss on the floor instead of reaching down to pet.