My dog is a medium mixed breed dog she is really perfect EXCEPT when people come over then she barks and growls at them for around 20 minuts non stop. She has never bit any one just that she is still too big to be doing this I just want her to stop barking/growing when I tell her too. How should I do that I am out of ideas and thought I would ask.
2007-03-18 15:24:24 · 7 answers · asked by cuetee220 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It sounds to me like she has perhaps some anxiety towards other people which manifests as aggression and she perhaps is being over-protective of you. Some dogs that develop a very strong bond with their owner, especially if they've been mistreated or neglected previously will display aggression towards other people that approach you, and even other dogs that you pat!
Never reassure your dog when she displays this behaviour. It is instinct to do so but you are simply telling her its ok to continue to do it and reinforcing this behaviour. When you want her to stop you need to be very firm, and follow through with anything you start. So if you tell her to sit when people approach you, you firmly tell her to sit and if she doesn't you put her into that position. You need to have a very strong voice tone, they tend to tune out if your tone isnt strong enough, lacks conviction, or they get used to it - especially if there is no follow-through (like kids, they push the limits!). If she barks and growls, tell her "NO!" or "UH-UH!", clap your hands and either take her into a different room for "time-out" or put her into a sit until she stops. You need to reward her whenever she does as you ask, as this is positive reinforcement. You will find that this is very effective in getting her to do as you ask - whether you use food rewards (not too much, and don't use it all the time), toys or lots and lots of praise (this needs to be really over the top). Remember that consistency is the key. It may be frustrating but you have to stick at it!
You need to set up times when you can have a friend over and go through these steps. Allow your friend to approach - your friend shouldn't acknowledge your dog in any way, don't pat and don't give eye contact. Keep your dog on a lead as you do this, so you control the situation. If you have a check-chain, this will be very effective, as long as you use it correctly. You only need one sharp tug on the chain as you say "NO!" (your local vet or vet nurse will be able to assist you if you need help with using the chain). Don't use the chain if she does as you ask as this is a correction and will most likely confuse her.
When your friend arrives, put your dog into a sit position. She should stay until you release her. As soon as she growls or barks, say NO and take her out of the room and ignore her completely. You shouldn't have to repeat the command, you say it once then follow-through. This will need to be repeated several times for her to understand that it is unacceptable behaviour.
You may need to contact a dog behaviouralist if you have concerns about your dogs behaviour, and if you are having difficulty maintaining control. They will be able to determine the actual cause of this behaviour (I am only making my personal opinion based on your description) and how to correct this behaviour. Make sure that if you use a behaviouralist you research one that uses positive reinforcement, is trained and is happy to explain their methods with you - the wrong method can make the situation far worse than it is now, and it is a very lengthy process to correct.
Good luck!!
2007-03-18 16:02:16 · answer #1 · answered by mudgettiger 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have her on a leash if you know someone is coming over (or you can practice with someone) so you will have more control over her behavior. When someone comes over, encourage her to be quiet and tell the person to not talk to the dog or pet it but to allow the dog to smell them. Then, teach the dog to back up and sit down as you tell it to. A dog should learn how to properly great a person and then back off and relax. It will take practice, as your dog is nervous about meeting people, but the leash will help your control over the dog. Be patient and consistent. Use a firm voice when disciplining and lots of praise for a job well done. Good Luck!
2007-03-18 22:31:21 · answer #2 · answered by mmct21 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
tell the people who come over to not look at her when they come inside. tell them to completely ignore the dog. if you ignore your dog when they are flipping out on people, then she'll eventually give up. then when the dog starts barking, throw her down on her back and hold her there until she's calm. thats a submissive state, and she'll then know not to mess with your friends.
2007-03-18 22:36:51 · answer #3 · answered by Jessica N 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
who is in charge you or the dog , why would you let the dog bark for 20 min, remove the dog from the room when you have people over
2007-03-18 22:42:46 · answer #4 · answered by gunter_thehunter 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think she is just defending her territory. My dog wil bark and growel at people when they come over. I just have to let him know it is alright for them to be there. You could give the stranger a treat to give your dog so she associates people coming over with treats.
2007-03-18 22:28:28 · answer #5 · answered by Ambie 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The best way to get her to stop is to have your guests give her treats. I do that with my Pit Bull Boxer and it works really well. He'll bark for a few mins, then he'll go off somewhere and eat the treat....as soon as he's done, he'll go to the person who gave it to him to get another one. It works really well.
2007-03-18 22:33:26 · answer #6 · answered by angelchild688 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Burn the puppies!!!
2007-03-18 22:27:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋