How can I train my dog not to bark at visitors?

Question

I have a 9 month old shih-tzu, and every time someone knocks at the door, or when she hears something that resembles knocking, she barks up a storm. This wouldn't be so bad, except that when I have company over (not too often) she acts afraid of the person, barking at them and hiding in her crate. She is otherwise socialized, and when we see people outside of my home (like on walks, in the park, etc.) she is fine. I know this is probably because I live alone, she rarely sees visitors except for my boyfriend (who she adores) and she is protecting her territory. But how can I get her to accept visitors?

I have read many dog behavior/training books, but none have taught me how to deal with this problem.

Answer 1

It is natural for a dog to watch out and bark when someone comes close - at least persons whom it does not know. If it barks all the time, also at people it knows - it is a problem. It is not sure you are able to protect good enough.

I had a dog once - I tried a "catastrophy-bag" (...)... which consisted of coke-cans with small coins in it which I threw after him a couple of times when barking. It helped for as long as I had the bag in my hand. I also had a collar which squished out lemon-squirt every time he barked. I tell you; he barked and he got 10 squirts with lemon right in his mouth. Did not help. Only thing that helped was work, work and work. Making him understand I was the boss over all bosses... : ) Here's what I did:

You will have to teach it you are in charge. The way to do this is to walk it every day - with leach or without if you really are in charge. Enter rooms first - dog second allways. Say hi to persons in room allways before dog. Let other persons say hi to you before your dog - allways. Eat first - dog last, allways. Never feed when you eat and sertainly not at table...

Good luck

Answer 2

Get an electric training collar. This device will give the dog a light shock and make a buzzing sound when you push a buttom on a remote when the dog barks. You can disable the shock part of it when your dog learns to NOT bark. The buzzing will still give control over the dog when he forgets, he's a dog, he will forget! Good Luck!

Answer 3

You need to disapline your dog right after she barks at visitors. She may continue to do it but everytime she starts barking just say, "NO!" and if she is a good dog she will listen to you.

Answer 4

try using a coffee can full of pennies, or a spray bottle. when your dog barks inappropriately, shake the can or squirt your dog, and say "quiet!" use a low, firm voice. if you yell or scream, your dog will think youve joined him in barking!!