Barking at the front door is an especially tough situation. I understand how frustrating it can be. And it is a rather common problem among dog owners. First things first, though, relax.
Whenever you are training your dog, stay calm! Dogs feed off your energy. They can “smell” it actually. (You can learn about how dogs do this in “How Do Dogs ‘See’ With Their Noses?” ) You also want to be confident and consistent. If you give in, your dog will take advantage.
Using the OnGuard™ is relatively easy and I've laid out the steps here. You can also print this out, so you have it on hand to remind you until it becomes second nature.
- Give your command to stop the barking, such as “Stop barking.”
- If your dog doesn't listen, calmly stand between your dog and what he is barking at.
You need to get his attention, and can lightly tap him on the behind if you don't have it. It is important not not yell, as this will only raise his energy level. Show your dog the OnGuard when you have his attention. - If the pup barks, press and hold the ultrasonic sound button for 10 seconds, taking a giant step forward and making sure to block their path so they can't go around you.
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- Your dog should scoot back. If he listens to you and stops barking, give a reward. It doesn't have to be a treat – a head rub works, too.
- If your dog doesn't stop, repeat. Walk them across the room – one step at a time if needed.
Right now, your dog thinks he is in charge of defending the roost. With this training, you are claiming the area as yours. You are teaching them that you are the pack master and you are in control of the situation.
Consistency is key. Remember that your dog has probably been doing this unfavorable behavior for a while. It's become a habit, so it may take a few weeks to fully make your dog understand.
As always, we at Good Life are here to support you during this process. Send us an email, chat with us, or give us a call at 001-1-541-245-4488. We know the joys of well-behaved dogs and want you to as well!
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