If you are like me, you cringe at the thought of your doorbell ringing. Or even the doorbell on TV ringing because you know that your dogs are going to go insane. We have gone so far as to ask the pizza guy to wait at the garage and we go and meet him to avoid barking. And if you can get beyond the doorbell, you then have to worry about how your dog is going to behave when guests arrive. You may even liken it to the running of the bulls in Pamplona. I get it. I do (even dog trainer's dogs are always the most well behaved!) However, there are a few things you can do to make this a more pleasant experience for you and your dog.
It really boils down to impulse control. Your dog needs to control herself at the door. Giving them something else to do will help that.
Until next time!
- First, you need to modify the behavior of the people coming into the house (that includes YOU). Everyone should totally ignore the dog if she is barking, jumping or otherwise seeking attention. Chances are they dog acts that way because they have gotten attention from it before.
- Remember that barking, jumping is attention seeking behavior. Any attention is attention. So, if you are saying "no, quiet, stop" etc. you are still giving your dog attention
- If the doorbell sets them off, teach them a new behavior. If you want them quiet when the bell rings, practice ringing the bell and giving them a treat (think of it almost like clicker training). Don't worry about the barking at first. All we are doing is bell=awesome things! Then, you can move it towards rewarding for being quiet. Ring the bell. If they are quiet, you treat. If they aren't, they get nothing. (If you have "charged" the bell, they should be looking at you for a treat). If you have two people at home, this makes it easier. You can also download the sound of a doorbell on your phone.
- Teach your dog that bell=run to a bed, crate, etc. Again, you will have to ring the bell and then lead them to the place. It will take some practice. The dog cannot be acting like a fool if they are laying on a bed.
- Until you can get it under control, keep your dog on a leash when visitors first come over. That way YOU control the situation. You can walk the dog away, etc.
It really boils down to impulse control. Your dog needs to control herself at the door. Giving them something else to do will help that.
Until next time!