Barking when people come to door

Discussion in 'Labrador Behavior' started by EmmaHughes, Aug 13, 2018.

  1. EmmaHughes

    EmmaHughes Registered Users

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Messages:
    351
    Location:
    U.k
    Hi could someone suggest how to help us help our 13 month old male Mason to not bark as much when strangers come to the door.
    Would a command and treat help?
     
  2. Candy

    Candy Registered Users

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2017
    Messages:
    330
    Location:
    West Yorkshire
    I have to say I quite like it when little Joy barks when strangers come to the door. She's only small but has the WOOF! of a much bigger dog. She would never hurt anyone and her vigilance makes me feel very safe, so whist I don't actively encourage it, nor do I do anything to stop it as I don't feel it does any harm.
     
    EmmaHughes likes this.
  3. Plum's mum

    Plum's mum Registered Users

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2017
    Messages:
    717
    Location:
    East Sussex
    My girl barks when people come to the door too. Mostly I just get on with whoever it is, say "good girl" to her (for protecting me) close door and back to normal.
    If though, it is someone who might be hanging around for a while, and I want her to stop, I ask the person (the other day it was the plumber) to give her a couple of treats. This satisfies her and she settles.
    There may be better methods but as @Candy says about Joy, I don't mind it really and it doesn't feel as if it's a problem.
     
    EmmaHughes likes this.
  4. Candy

    Candy Registered Users

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2017
    Messages:
    330
    Location:
    West Yorkshire
    Yes, if it's a guest, or someone who's going to be around for a while, I also do the treat thing.
     
    EmmaHughes likes this.
  5. EmmaHughes

    EmmaHughes Registered Users

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Messages:
    351
    Location:
    U.k
    Thank you everyone. Just not sure why he has started barking when people are outside and continues to do so.
    Guess it’s nice to know that someone is there.
    He isn’t very good when people delivery drivers come to door it’s hard to keep him seated whilst I open door and hold him back and possibly sign or take order
     
  6. Ski-Patroller

    Ski-Patroller Cooper, Terminally Cute

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2016
    Messages:
    1,719
    Location:
    Portland, Oregon & Mt Hood Oregon
    In a house, I think it is a plus when they bark. I want to know if some one is coming up my walk.
     
    EmmaHughes likes this.
  7. EmmaHughes

    EmmaHughes Registered Users

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Messages:
    351
    Location:
    U.k
    True but I’m not sure why he has started barking so much
     
  8. Chewies_mum

    Chewies_mum Registered Users

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2018
    Messages:
    317
    It probably depends on whether it is an alarm bark or an excitement bark? If it's an alarm bark getting the visitor to give a treat is a good idea. If it's an excitement bark you probably need to wait for calm, then treat? I'm just thinking out loud here.

    Meanwhile, we had a friend come over, who has never met our puppy before. I was in the kitchen washing up and had left our front door unlocked. Said friend let himself in when I didn't hear his knock and by the time I got to the front was being licked and fussed over by our goofball pup. Our dog has NO territorial instincts at all and we are quite happy about that!
     
    EmmaHughes and Plum's mum like this.
  9. Jojo83

    Jojo83 Registered Users

    Joined:
    Feb 11, 2017
    Messages:
    1,605
    Location:
    UK
    If you have a problem holding him, keeping him seated etc while you answer the door it is better to pop him behind a closed door/door gate until you are free to deal with him again.
    You could also train a 'go to mat' fir dealing with people at the door.
     
    EmmaHughes likes this.
  10. EmmaHughes

    EmmaHughes Registered Users

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Messages:
    351
    Location:
    U.k
    Hi I’m still bit confused as to weather it’s an alarm or excitement bark I’m guessing alarm as he falls asleep by front door hears car doors etc then wakes suddenly and barks.
    Bless him and your friend!
     
  11. EmmaHughes

    EmmaHughes Registered Users

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Messages:
    351
    Location:
    U.k
    Thank you I will try this.
     

Share This Page