How to Teach Your Dog to ‘Go Meet’

Controlled Socialization, Calm Introductions, and Real-World Manners

Meeting new people and other dogs is a normal part of life—but without structure, it can easily turn into chaos. Jumping, barking, lunging, fear-based reactions, and overexcitement are all signs that a dog hasn’t been taught how to properly “Go Meet.”

At Elite K9 Service, we don’t let dogs meet whoever they want, whenever they want. We teach them to wait for permission, approach calmly, and stay under control. Here’s how to do it the right way.

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What “Go Meet” Means

“Go Meet” is a structured release command that gives your dog permission to approach a person, dog, or object in a calm, respectful way - only when you say it.

Without permission, your dog should:

✔️ Stay in Heel, Sit, or Place

✔️ Ignore distractions

✔️ Wait calmly for leadership

This builds focus, trust, and proper social skills, instead of chaotic or disrespectful behavior.

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Step 1: Build a Solid Foundation First

Before you even introduce “Go Meet,” your dog must have:

✔️ Reliable Sit and Stay

✔️ Reliable Heel

✔️ An understanding of No as a correction marker

✔️ Calmness under mild distractions

If your dog can’t hold position around minor distractions, they’re not ready to be released for social interactions. Foundation always comes first.

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Step 2: Set Up the Introduction the Right Way

✔️ Keep your dog on leash.

✔️ Start the dog in a Sit next to you (preferably on your left side).

✔️ Have the person (or dog handler) wait calmly at a distance.

✔️ Keep a loose leash, but be ready to correct if needed.

The goal is calm energy before permission is given. If your dog is whining, pulling, or fixated—they are not ready to meet yet.

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Step 3: Give the “Go Meet” Command Correctly

Once your dog is calm and waiting:

• Say “Go Meet” in a neutral tone.

• Allow them to walk forward slowly and under control.

• No lunging, barking, jumping, or pulling allowed.

• Keep the greeting short (3–5 seconds).

• Then recall them immediately back into Sit or Heel.

If your dog surges without permission, correct instantly (leash pop + “No”) and reset them.

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Step 4: Teach Respectful Greetings

During “Go Meet,” your dog’s job is simple:

✔️ Approach calmly.

✔️ Sniff politely (no jumping or pushing).

✔️ Remain relaxed.

You control:

• When they approach

• How long they stay

• When they leave

If your dog gets too excited during the greeting, end it immediately and reset. Never allow the greeting to escalate.

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Step 5: Gradually Add Difficulty

Once your dog can calmly “Go Meet” predictable, low-energy people or dogs, start increasing the challenge:

• New people (men, children, strangers with different looks)

• New environments (parks, store entrances, sidewalks)

• Other calm, neutral dogs

Always maintain structure. No meeting without permission. No free-for-alls, no loose leash greetings.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Allowing the dog to drag you toward people or dogs

❌ Letting strangers encourage excitement

❌ Forgetting to reset and recall after greeting

❌ Rewarding hyperactive energy with attention

Teaching “Go Meet” is about teaching respect and patience, not just allowing social contact.

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Final Word

Teaching your dog how to “Go Meet” is one of the best ways to build:

✔️ Calm confidence

✔️ Focus around distractions

✔️ Reliable public manners

It’s not about stopping your dog from being social—it’s about making sure they meet the world calmly, respectfully, and on your terms.

📞 Want help building bulletproof obedience around real-world distractions? Contact Elite K9 Service, where training doesn’t end when the leash gets slack.