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Barking at door
by erin
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
When someone comes to the door,our little ,Muffie goes wild. People are afraid of him {all 5 lbs.}I pick him up,and let him see, but that does not calm him down.Once their in the house he gets use to them .But, when I am Trying to talk to them at the door,he's so loud ,no one can hear each other. Ha- one good thing,strangers don't stay long. Any suggestions on how to calm him down, when this happens? At this point, he doesn't hear any commamds you give him.
DISCUSSION:
We have the same problem with Cotton. As soon as there is a knock on the door he goes crazy. Yelling at him, shaking a can, even threatening him with a paper does not stop it. Cotton is a wonderful dog, but that is his only fault. I'd appreciate any suggestions also.
Susan P.
You might try a squirt gun and put some water in his face when he starts all that barking. Also, so obedience training would help. Then you could put him on a leash and give him either a sit/stay or down/stay command and enforce it with the leash until he learns you mean what you say. I'm having the same problem with my 6 month old Cricket,and people don't appreciate even a small dog jumping on them or barking at them when they come to the door. I'm hoping that using both of these methods will help cure her of the problem as well. Good luck to both of us, I guess. :-)
Peg
What worked for us: I placed a plush mat quite near the front door. We practiced and practiced "Go Back" (to the mat) where they received lots of excited praise and special treats! I did this over & over & over, even bringing the mat into the car. I would get out, of course they would scurry into the drivers seat, then open the door to get in & give the "Go Back" command & praise & treat. It worked & still works to this day! The next exercise is to have a family member ring the doorbell... "Shhh - Quiet" "Go Back" and treat generously. I still keep them on the "Go Back" mat until the visitor gives the "ok". I also had a suggestion to screw a hook into the wall & lease them there but it wasnt necessary.The can shaking & rolled paper threats only add to the confusion & encourage them to be noisier! Make it all a fun, pleasant thing! My little girl is a fireball & if she can get it, anyone can! LOL Good luck!
BeeGee
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