June Tips

Many dogs instinctively feel that they should provide some alert to the household when something is going on outside. Some of this is welcomed and helps us be at ease knowing our dogs are there to warn us of danger.

But what if gets out of hand?  What if your dog doesn’t like people coming into the house and shies away or barks and lunges at them? This behavior should not be tolerated and needs to be fixed.

Dogs shouldn’t try to jump on guests!

The reason dogs shy away (when young) and then become aggressive later in life is usually due to them not being used to visitors (in their previous homes if they are rescues, or current homes if they were adopted as a young pup). So they see people entering their house as “invaders” whom they do not trust.

It also then becomes a “job” for the dog as they come to believe they need to protect their home.

If the issue continues elsewhere outside of the home, then it’s usually more of a general fear/aggression towards people from being undersocialized when younger.

No matter what, the issue CAN be resolved. Just give us a call!

In the meantime, one thing everyone can do to get off on the right foot (paw?) with this issue is to work on doorbell desensitization. If the dog hears the doorbell more often, it becomes less of a big deal… if it only rings every couple of days (or less), then it’s by definition a huge event!

Once he calms down to the sound of the doorbell, it will be much easier to work on his issues with people entering.

Here are some simple high-level steps for doorbell desensitization:
https://poochcoach.com/dog-reaction-to-doorbells/