Hi there, Our pup (4.5 months) has just recently (in the last week) started barking when someone comes in the front gate. It's not every time, maybe 4 times in total so far, but I am keen to stop this behaviour before it gets worse or transfers to other situations. Should I ignore the barking and calmly go to the door? If so, do I shut her in a room or take her with me so she can see it's ok? She has always been excited when the door goes but the barking is new. Other than this she has only barked twice before- both times when startled by something. Any ideas??? Thanks Lou (and her neighbours)
Hi Lou.....I'm not the best at training but you might want to consider a positive association with visitors. The trigger could be either the knocking or ringing of the front door, or the opening of the gate. perhaps chose a place you want her to go when these "cues" occur. Maybe a mat, her bed, a crate, and reward her for going there. You will need a really good reward (such as a filled kong maybe) to start with and some helpers to knock the door or open the gate. Make it an exciting game to go to the designated place when the noise is heard. I am sure there have been previous threads about this but can't link on my phone tonight. If no one else chips in before my next visit I will see if I can find them!
Jac's advice is very sensible. Why do you think she is doing this? Do you think it's just alert barking? In which case, so long as it stays at a few 'someone at the gate, mum' woofs, no big deal. Generally though, and particularly with a dog that gets over excited by visitors (my dog is such a dog ) I think it's a good idea not to have the dog adopt the role of official welcomer - until the guests are in and ready to say hello anyway. So training a dog to go to a mat, the kitchen etc. for a tasty treat when they hear the doorbell/gate is a sound strategy.
Lou ,I proceeded as described above,Dexter to my mind was getting quite anxious about people coming in at one point ,it was quite a lengthy process and did require assistants but now when the door bell rings ,he jumps up and runs to his room to wait for a treat and I close his child gate over. He does still bark but I live with that because once the visitors are in the house ,the gate doesn't get open until he stops barking... ( I've also got a reasonable 'Quiet' cue) he's 3 now so he's a bit older but this has helped me feel more in control of visitors and arrivals at the house and Dexter is a lot more relaxed because he has stuff 'to do' when the bell rings! X
Thanks all, I think it is alert barking- when she's taken by surprise (as it doesn't always happen). I will try the association thing as I think that might generally keep her calmer when visitors arrive. She loves everyone so much she does get a bit excited So, good treat in her pen whenever the gate is opened or doorbell rung. Thanks all
