How can I get my dog to stop barking when the doorbell rings?

Question

I think this is a silly habit for him. I tried recording the doorbell sound and play it back over and over, but he just keeps on barking at it. He even barks when he hears a doorbell ring on the television. In case you are wondering, my dog is a shelty and cocker spaniel mix and is 1 year old.

Answer 1

If it really annoys you, one method that will eventually work is to firmly but gently put one of your hands around his muzzle (mouth and nose) and clasp it, giving it a firm jerk (but not hard enough to hurt him) as you say "No!" You will have to do this over and over again but eventually he will realize what you're trying to tell him, that his *mouth* is offending you. I have a dog that barks whenever anyone comes around, though, and although it's annoying I never discipline him for it because he's only doing what he's supposed to do - sound the alarm and protect you.

I wouldn't ring the doorbell to train him if I were you because I think that would confuse him. He could interpret that as your playing with him, and, barking at strangers and barking at you (he can smell you through the door) are different situations in his mind.

Be sure to praise him when he barks appropriately!

I found someone who describes what I was talking about at http://experts.about.com/q/Dogs-701/Unsocialized-Puppy.htm

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1. He begins barking
2. You place your hand around his muzzle and tell him "NO", holding his mouth closed for 1-2 seconds
3. You release him and give verbal praise immediately (preferably before he starts to bark again - you're praising him for being quiet)

If he immediately begins barking again, repeat.

OR, if you choose to give a leash correction, the sequence should go something like this:

1. He begins barking
2. You firmly say "NO" and administer the correction (remember, he should not actually be moved out of position or jerked off the ground)
3. You give verbal praise

If he begins barking again, repeat.>>

Answer 2

Well since burglars usually don't ring the doorbell, and the doorbell serves to let me know someone is there, I find barking at the doorbell to be an undesirable response. With my dog I first started by ringing the doorbell when nobody was there to desensitize him to the door bell, that way when someone else rang the doorbell he didnt respond to it, then when I have guests enter I have them make my dogs sit patiently, give them a treat, then offer some praise. It's not completely flawless, a lot depends on the dogs energy level, or if they get startled by the doorbell, but for the most part I can keep my pups calm and under control when guests arrive, if not I put the outside and let them run off some energy and excitement then bring them back in 1 at a time (I have 2). Other times since I have 2 dogs if one of them starts barking usually they will both get going. If that happens I will put them both in a down stay and not open the door until they are quiet.

Answer 3

I have a Sheltie, too. They are notorious barkers. Getting him not to bark at the doorbell will not be easy. And every time he barks at the doorbell, this habit is becoming more ingrained. So when you play the doorbell noise and he barks, the habit becomes stronger.

If you really want to teach him not to bark at it, you have to make NOT barking at the doorbell pay off for the dog. The SECOND (your timing has to be really good on this...he may only stop for a breath at first) he stops barking, praise him like crazy and give him super yummy treats. If you do this consistently and often (have a friend come over and ring the bell for practice), he may learn that a better response to the doorbell is sitting quietly.

Answer 4

I think all dogs bark at the doorbell. Mine sure do, along with my friends. Your house is their territory and when they bark they're saying " Someone is here, alert alert ". Its just a nasty habit most dogs get. I'm sorry but I don't have a soloution. I tried numerous bark collars but they didn't help. So, I've learned to just live with it, no matter how annoying it is.

Answer 5

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/Wxmdm

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.

Answer 6

Take your dog to Obedience lessons.. practice getting him to focus on you when at home.. then set it up - either with your recording or have somebody ring the bell... now you have your dogs attention and offer him small soft treats to keep him occupied and reward when he doesnt bark - spray with water bottle when he does and say a soft but firm "NO" at the same time... offer lots of rewards and "good dogs" when he is good...

put a sign out by your door saying "knock - dont ring bell"

Answer 7

Teach your dog the no bark command or the enough command. Take your dog to a obedience class and you will learn how to do this

Answer 8

You might not be able to train him not to bark. He is just doing what he thinks is protecting you. He might also be scared of the sound and is trying to tell you something. Take him to an obedience class or teach him "enough barking". If you do teach him, have a punishment be a little hit on his leg w/ a newspaper, and a treat would be something he likes to do or a snack bone.

Answer 9

Hey,
Understanding how to train your dog and how to correct bad behaviours is very important. That's why I suggest to follow a good training course. There are plenty of books and training material. One online course I recommend (I like it because it has hundreds of videos) is http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=572

It helped me a lot.
Bye Bye

Answer 10

pick up an obedience training book , and another idea is maybe the doorbell sound hurts his ears have his ears checked for infection by the vet