Hi all my puppy is 9 months now and I just wondered whether people have found their dogs start to bark naturally when people come to the door or alert you in such situations. Luther does not bark really unless he is playing with toys or with other dogs sometimes so just curious really I know they are not guard dogs but is there anything we can do to encourage him to bark when people come to the door? Thanks Ruth
Hi Ruth, all I would say is enjoy the quiet while you have it, we thought Buster was lovely and quiet then all of a sudden he found his bark and now when he sees a car go past our house he barks, someone knocks on the door he barks, he goes in the garden he hears some imaginary noise and yep he barks.
Some people do want their dog to bark when people come to the door as it gives them a sense of security. If my OH is away, I am glad that my dog barks to alert me if people come through my gate. Many Labs do bark when people arrive at the door, but some don't. Both mine have (the first was a very quiet dog and he only ever barked when people came to the door....my dog now, Obi, is very vocal and barks for visitors and at anyone walking past the house). M Luther is still young and may begin to bark at arrivals in time. If he does, and you want to encourage it, just show enthusiasm for it to reinforce what he's doing. You can give him a treat if you want but it's also likely that the arrival of the visitors will be enough reward in itself. You can also try to teach him to bark on cue - are you interested in that? It's easier if he already barks at predictable times or is happy to bark at you.
Thank you for the comments I think it would make me feel more secure when I'm here alone to know he barks as it sounds ferocious even if he is a softy! It will be just my luck for him to start barking at everything now I've said that!
Bob never used to bark but since he turned a year old he gives the odd bark when he hears the door, or a noise outside. He doesnt do it very often and it still makes me jump when he does it lol! I think it's something that will either happen naturally with your pup or it won't x
Mine all barked at different stages and for different reasons. I always thought labs guarding and protective instincts were not so developed as some breeds, but when someone tried to mug me on a dog walk i was totally amazed by my lovely boy Doug. He turned into a very fierce barking monster. He was in his prime then about 5 years old and his health problems were not so apparent. I was scared and shocked but his defant verbal attack helped me unfreeze myself and we both drove the mugger away. I love that dog he has never failed me not once he is my hero.
Sdegg what an amazing dog and companion you have there! Lovely to know your dog will protect you and keep you safe.
Has anyone got any suggestions to teach bark on cue? Bella is barking all the time currently so I need to make sure I get this bark and be quiet right, are the u tube videos worth a look?
Theres a really good book about barking and teaching how to bark and not bark by turiid rugaas she did the calming signals for dogs book. the barking book is really good and has helped identify and modify some of the ways i treat my dogs barking, definatley worth a read
