Will this strategy hurt my EM or help?

[Ben McBrizzle]

My mastiff is over-excited when people come to my house. Because of this, I gate him or put him outside when someone comes in or I command him to leave them alone. He sits, tail-a-wagging wanting to greet them but he doesn't know how big he is and he often bulls into people or sniffs them too hard which is why I make him "leave it". I just wonder whether this will make him aggressive to people in my house over time or whether he'll learn to be less excited? What do you think?

 

[Ripsmom]

how old is he? does the leave it command work? If it works great..maybe just have people ignore him until he is calm and sitting or lying down before petting him. I don't think you will cause any aggression by using the command, if the command is not working then I would keep him on leash when you know you are having visitors and make him sit or down (if he knows the stay command that would be even better, if not i would teach it) before you open the door and remain sitting...use high value treats of course if he conforms; I would keep him on leash with this until he is consistent then maybe use a tab lead.

 

[Ben McBrizzle]

Thanks...he is 9 1/2 months.