Take Time for Friends
Your protective friend barks for a variety of reasons, and some are good, but to prevent barking at inappropriate times, the dog will need some socialization with frequent visitors. Pet owners should take the time to slowly introduce friends and relatives who will be entering the house periodically. You should also give your best friend time to adjust to neighbors, children playing on bikes or scooters, and delivery men. Always keep your dog on a leash during a first introduction. Let the visitor share a treat, and let your dog get a good scent. As the relationship progresses, the visitor may progress to gentle petting until your dog appears comfortable enough to be unleashed. Once the he or she doesn't feel threatened, it's time to move to the actual training procedure.
Hush Puppy
Although there are many options for teaching a dog to stop barking when someone knocks on the door or passes in the street, most owners prefer the gentlest method possible. The following method works for most breeds:
- Use a single word to give the command to cease barking. This might be “hush,” “quiet,” or “silent,” but it should not be a command that is used for other directions.
- With the dog on a leash, have a friend come to the door. If barking begins, firmly use the word while giving a pull on the leash low to the floor.
- Praise the dog if it stops barking, using the same words that are always used when it has performed well. It may be best not to give a doggy treat because this could lead to the dog barking just to get the treat for stopping the behavior.
- Repeatedly performing this maneuver may be all that is necessary for some dogs to get the idea that barking at certain times is not appropriate.
Repetition is the key and with incremental improvements your dog will be quetly greeting you and your friends in no time.
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