My 2yr old Miniature Pinscher is very protective of me. When the doorbell rings, he goes nuts. He barks, sometimes bares his teeth, and really freaks out the people at the door. I think it has to do with the fact that there is evidence that his previous owner abused him, plus the fact that his cousin the Doberman are commonly used as guard dogs. How can I change this behavior, and make him into the good dog I know he can be?
2006-10-27 05:42:26 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
My 2yr old Miniature Pinscher is very protective of me. When the doorbell rings, he goes nuts. He barks, sometimes bares his teeth, and really freaks out the people at the door. I think it has to do with the fact that there is evidence that his previous owner abused him.He is totally fine with other dogs. It just seems like he has a problem with people, especially males. How can I change this behavior, and make him into the good dog I know he can be?
2006-10-27 05:58:15 · update #1
Please take him to obedience training. Fixing this will take more than an answer here. His being protective of you in this way is really a sign that he doesn't have enough confidence.
Whether or not he was abused doesn't change his behavior but it should guide your treatment of him. Look for "positive" methods of training.
BTW Positive does not mean let your dog do whatever it wants with no consequences. It means rewards for good behavior and consequences for bad.
*Grabbing him and telling him "its okay" over and over when he freaks out on people should be avoided at all costs. It reinforces his behavior.
Good luck finding a trainer.
2006-10-27 06:00:29 · answer #1 · answered by bookmom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not reward him in any shape or fashion when he does this. You need to let him know that you don't like his behavior. This was just on the "Dog Whisperer" the other night, a similar situation. All he did was everytime the dog would bark he would put his hand in the dogs fact and make a noise for no and stare at the dog. The dog eventually backed down and. You have to assert dominance over the dog and let the dog know who is boss. The way the dog sees things is that it owns you that is why it is so protective of you. You need to show the dog that you are the one in charge, not the other way around. I highly recommend watching the "Dog Whisperer" as well.
2006-10-27 05:52:54 · answer #2 · answered by Sheila V 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure if u can actuelly stop a dog from barking at a visitors its a dog. dogs want to defende there teritory and wants to protect u to he wants to be good. u can maybe get a muzzle or train him not to bark by saying go to bed or stop give your ddog a small tap on the nose to show to im that it okay u know that person but it cant be all bad that your dog barks when u have visitors your do to and its okay because it can be good if someone try's to break in your house during the night and your dog will bark u can also tell your guest that your dog wont hurt them and that hes a dog and to know that a dog will bark a people that are strangers to him. you never know when it can be good a barking dog
2016-05-22 00:55:03 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a socialization issue. Your pup was most likely not that well socialized as a young puppy.
This will have to be taken very carefully as to avoid any bites/nips....but I would start socializing your dog. Have others feed your dog or bring a treat (showing the dog that other people are good) - again approach with caution. Take your dog with you everywhere - to the vet, store, schools, etc...the more scenarios your dog is used to .... the better socialized your dog will become. You failed to mention how he is with other animals? This would have to be approached in the same manner - with extreme caution.
You may also want to consult an animal behavioural consultant, your vet - and watch the program "The Dog Whisperer" (fabulous show).
Good luck and hopefully "killer" will turn into a softy for you.
2006-10-27 05:52:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were you I'd take your dog to obedience classes. A trainer will be able to actually work with you, and you'll get a lot more help than you can over the internet.
Here are a few things that have worked for me in the past, however:
If he knows sit, down etc. you can ask for behaviors that are incompatable with barking/baring teeth. Never reassure your dog and say "It's okay" as this is reinforcing their behavior.
If possible, have visitors ignore the dog. My dog Rosie howls at only certain people, while other people she warms up to quickly. The people she warms up to just kind of ignore her and let her come to them, whereas the people she barks at are bending over her and talking to her, which she perceives as a threat. It's hard because a lot of people think they can win her over by talking to her, when in reality it is the ones who play it cool who end up with her in their lap wanting pet.
2006-10-27 06:25:51 · answer #5 · answered by lickitysplit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A dog should be trained on how to eat, walk with you, not to bark, potty training and sleep on its place etc. You can teach anything to your puppy, dogs get trained easily with some good instructions. If you want some good training tips visit https://tr.im/BNwiW
If properly trained, they should also understand whistle and gesture equivalents for all the relevant commands, e.g. short whistle or finger raised sit, long whistle or flat hand lay down, and so on.
It's important that they also get gestures and whistles as voice may not be sufficient over long distances and under certain circumstances.
2016-04-24 18:23:57 · answer #6 · answered by suzie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a dominance/aggression issue. He sees you as his "property," as well as the house.
You need to set boundaries and take control of him now. Small dogs are usually more prone to aggression issues because:
1. Our world is overwhelming to them in size.
2. Most people "baby" the toy breeds, carry them all the time, etc.
3. Toy breed owners think "protective" display is cute.
4. People fail to realize that toy breeds can and do bite!
http://www.libertydogtraining.com
It can be dealt with. You just need guidance, patience, and determination.
2006-10-27 06:30:36 · answer #7 · answered by libertydogtraining 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You dog is exhibiting 'dominant' behavior. Try to catch an episode of "the Dog Whisperer" if you can, there's an episode that deals with a min pin just like yours!
2006-10-27 05:53:41 · answer #8 · answered by diney2u 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when someone comes into the house and he jumps up ingore him.sit down and act normal.he will not like this and try and get your attention.do not give him any until he just sits down and behaves.only then you and your guest will notice him and pet him.
the fact that he has doberman blood in him doesnt mean anything.it is solely on the way they are brought up.
2006-10-27 05:48:17 · answer #9 · answered by gavin c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch the show The Dog Whisperer. You need to be the leader of the pack and not your dog. Your dog considers you one of his family, but not his pack leader.
You have to establish your position as pack leader and he will obey you. Once you have control, you will be able to make him stop barking and baring his teeth at your visitors.
Take care,
Troy
2006-10-27 05:52:49 · answer #10 · answered by tiuliucci 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋