When your dog barks at visitors, he is trying to vocalize that your home is his territory. By instinct, he will determine that any unfamiliar person approaching your home is a threat. He will then bark to make the other members of his pack aware of the impending danger. Because you and your family are his pack, he is acting instinctively to protect your home. A warning bark to signal a visitor is typically a welcomed and appreciated action by most dog owners. But an overly protective dog that barks incessantly or nips at visitors will need behavior modification training to make him more visitor friendly.
Things You'll Need
- Dog treats
- Keys or aluminum can filled with coins
Instructions
The Quiet Method
Permit your dog to bark up to four times once he has spotted the visitor. After the fourth bark say the word ̶0;quiet.̶1; Do not shout the word. Try to keep your voice calm and controlled.
Go to your dog and gently place your hand around his muzzle. Repeat the word ̶0;quiet.̶1; Only do this step if your dog is okay with having his muzzle held. If he appears anxious or resists, you can also quiet him instantly by feeding him small bits of food while repeating ̶0;quiet.̶1;
Have your dog move away from the door and tell him to sit. If he sits and is quiet, give him a treat. If he continues to bark, repeat the ̶0;quiet̶1; command. When he stops barking at the visitor, give him the treat.
Continue the quiet method over several weeks until your dog associates the word ̶0;quiet̶1; with ceasing to bark. If you are having no luck after 20 training sessions, add a startling noise to the routine (see below).
Jingle a loud set of keys or a can full of metal coins after you say the word ̶0;quiet.̶1; The loud noise should startle your dog into silence. Once he is quiet, call him away from the door and give him a treat.
The Go-to-Your-Spot Method
Establish a spot for your dog to retreat to when visitors come to your home to control nipping .Nipping dogs, no matter how lightly they bite, is cause for concern. Nipping and biting are also signs of territorial protection.
Choose a spot within sight of the door but at a distance of about 8 feet away. Get your dog used to his spot by telling him, ̶0;Go to your spot,̶1; and throw a treat onto the rug or area you have chosen.
Add the command of sit once your dog has learned how to go to his spot on command. When he reaches his spot, tell him to sit. Offer him another treat as soon as he sits.
Add the stay command to further the effectiveness of this method. Have your dog go to his spot and sit. Next, add the command to stay. In the beginning, reward your dog for sitting and staying for one second. As he learns the rules, increase his wait time by a few seconds. Always remember to praise your dog and tell him ̶0;Okay̶1; to release him from his stay command.