Yorkie Attacking People Going Into The Bathroom...?

Question

Everytime somene knocks on the bathroom door, or opens the bathroom door my 7 year old yorkie Bongo go crazy. He darts to the door as fast as he can barking and depending on who it is he will bite at their feet. He is a very good dog and aside from this we have no problems with him. Any suggestions on how to stop this would be helpful. Thanks!

Answer 1

You need to make him feel that the bathroom door is not upsetting. This should be pretty easy. Knock on the door and give him a little treat. Open the bathroom door and give him a treat. Do this enough times that he doesn't get upset, but just expects a treat. After the treat, place your hand over his snout or pat him on the head. This is a signal of dominance in a friendly way. If he's particular about certain people, you should have them practice this ritual after he's comfortable about you going in and out.
Once he quits being aggressive to people using the bathroom, you can quit the treats. You can still pat him on the head if he shows up, just to reinforce the fact that he is being friendly, but this isn't essential.

Answer 2

Does he like hanging out in the bathroom himself? He may see it as his 'den' and only qualified humans in his pack are allowed. If this is the case, you need to go about resetting boundaries and where his place is in the pack. I would use distraction or mild discipline(like the water bottle, already suggested). Perhaps have anyone who leaves the bathroom give the dog a treat as a distraction. Good luck with your dog!

Answer 3

try cleaning the bathroom... maybe the smell in there is so horrible, he can't take it when the door opens and lets the funk out that it makes him go forking nuts.

Answer 4

Squirt him with a water gun.

Answer 5

yes, whoever comes out of the bathroom, tell them to kick your dog. maybe this will make him stop.