Keep in mind these undesirable behaviors could be a side effect of not enough exercise. Most dogs don’t get enough exercise and mental stimulation, which can result in frantic, hyper, and neurotic behavior. If you are in doubt, remember a tired dog is a good dog – get out there and take Fido for a walk. If exercise doesn’t do the trick here are some other training suggestions to try out.
Problem: Dog barks and acts crazy when door bell rings or someone knocks.
1) (Desensitization) Put your dog on her training lead. Position a friend at the door and ask him to ring the bell or knock 10 times at 20-second intervals. Tell your friend to come through a different door when he’s done. Each time the bell rings or the person knocks, call and redirect your dog away from the door. Practice these setups twice a day until your dog tones down her reaction.
2) (Redirect) It helps if you are able to see the stimulus that sets your dog off first. The idea here is you will want to redirect your dog’s attention and it is easier if you haven’t waited until full freak out. This is why Halloween is great. You know kids are coming by and you can be ready for it. Keep an eye on that front window. Before your dog even notices someone approaching, try to get your dog to sit and focus on you (use a high value treat). Have a friend or family member be ready to answer the door. If your dog continues to bark and act out, then next time try moving a little further away from the door until you find a spot that your dog is able to focus – this might be the next room. Keep practicing and slowly move in closer towards the door as your dog is able to. Trust me, this will take some time, but practice makes perfect.
Corrective Training Alternatives:
1) If your dog is real neurotic and the above methods aren’t working well you can add in a corrective training technique. If your dog is barking, tell your dog “Quiet” in a low, but firm voice – do not yell. Then give your pup a 1 – 2 second opportunity to comply and stop barking. If your dog doesn’t stop, then spray your dog in the face with a mist of water. Your dog will be startled into silence. Make sure to praise your dog and say “good quiet.” If your dog starts to bark again – repeat the process. When she gets it right make sure to give lots of praise.
Please make sure you use a MIST of water (as opposed to a stream) and please don’t use Binaca, vinegar, or mouthwash. That's not cool - it's cruel! Spraying these types of products on your dog is not safe. Also make sure you never lose your cool and yell. Yelling only brings additional high energy to the situation and your dog may think you are barking along with her.
2) If you have a training collar on your dog, you can do the same process as described above with the spray bottle. Give the command “Quiet,” wait 1-2 seconds and if she hasn’t stopped barking give a proper correction using the training collar. If your dog is still acting crazy, guide your dog further away from the door and repeat the process. With practice, and as your dog is able to control herself, move slowly back closer to the door. Remember to give lots of praise when she gets it right so your dog learns what the right behavior.
Problem: Dog jumps up and acts wild when guests walk in the front door.
1) Pick an area by the door to send your pup to when company arrives. Secure a leash to the area and place a favorite ball, toy, or treat there. When the bell rings, station/secure your puppy as you instruct “Go to your place.” Then answer the door. Instruct your company to ignore the pup while greeting you. Wait until your puppy is calm and quiet to introduce her, even if it takes an hour.
2) Make sure your dog is on a leash when you open the door. Before you open the door, step on the leash right by your pups foot (careful to not step on your pup). Your puppy will still attempt to jump up, but will be unable to because the shorten leash will prevent him. Make sure to instruct everyone to ignore the pup. Once the puppy has calmed down – give calm praise.
3) No leash in sight…no problem. Instruct your guests (or maybe it is you) to have calm, quiet energy. When the dog jumps up – there can be no (human) squealing - simply turn your back on her. Don’t talk to her, do not acknowledge or even look at her until she has calmed down. It is key the instant she calms down, even slightly, you give calm praise (no squeaking or high pitched noises as that will elevate the energy level back to crazy town). Similar to children, dogs will take negative attention over no attention. You have to provide a timely reward (praise or treat) for good behavior. Otherwise, I am sure your pooch will find other ways to get your attention!
Corrective Training Alternatives:
1) If your dog is real neurotic and the above methods aren’t working well you can try a corrective training spray bottle technique. Keep a water spray bottle by the door. When your dog jumps up, spray a mist of water in your dog’s face and sternly say “No.” Turn away and continue to ignore. If your pooch jumps again repeat the process as necessary. Make sure to stay quiet, calm and ignore your dog until he is relaxed. Once he has calmed down make sure to give timely praise.
It's no wonder people have barking problems with their dogs. Most dogs have no clue as to whether barking is something good or something bad. Sometimes when the dog barks, he is ignored (owner in a jolly mood). Other times, the dog is encouraged (owner sees suspicious stranger outside the house). And yet other times, the dog is yelled at (owner has a headache). Humans are consistently inconsistent. In order to help your dog know your rules, teach him what they are.
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