Dogs bark for various reasons. Sometimes to protect their territory (or you), or other times they are nervous and don't want people around them. By following the steps in this article, you can be sure that your guests and your dog will love and get along well, making friends' visits to the house more enjoyable for everyone. Your dog should soon grasp the concept of "guest = rewards", so he will understand that guests are not a bad thing after all!
Steps
Step 1. Let your dog bark once
Your dog may bark once or twice to warn you that someone is there. After he does, say "Thank you" calmly and keep doing what you were doing before he barked. If he continues to bark, say "No" firmly, without raising your voice too much. If it persists, move it.
Step 2. Make sure that the dog does not welcome anyone at the door
Step 3. When guests arrive, tell them to ignore the dog
Get him to train with simple obedience exercises like "Sit down", "Stay still", "Lie down". Give him a piece of cooked chicken (not hot, boneless) or a dog snack as a treat. Don't give him food; it wouldn't be funny at all.
Step 4. Instruct your guests to throw chicken pieces or snacks at your dog without looking at him
Step 5. Do not encourage any kind of contact between guests and the dog
Do it only after a relaxing atmosphere is created.
Step 6. If your dog approaches your host, ask your host to give the dog a snack, but without looking him in the eye
At this stage, it is better for the guest to be relaxed.
Step 7. If the dog feels comfortable and tries to interact with guests, allow him to do so, but only if he is calm
Step 8. If the animal still does not behave well, repeat "No" or "Ah" out loud (not "Ahhh", but almost like the sound of a bell) and get the dog out of the room
Not scream; keep a calm atmosphere.
Step 9. After several minutes, have the dog return to the room with you
Step 10. Pamper the dog
When you and your dog are comfortable, you can allow guests to touch him behind the ears. Don't encourage rough play between your dog and your friends.
Step 11. Finished
Advice
- Don't hit your dog and don't raise your voice when you are with him. This would be an obstacle that would confuse and frighten him.
- Make the dog always obey you.
- Dogs prefer calm, happy voices to ringing noises with high volume peaks.
- Chicken, hot dog, beef, liver… are excellent treats for the dog (in small quantities). Obviously they must not contain preservatives, additives or other chemicals (of course, you do not know what is really inside the hot dogs). If you use an artificially produced snack, it is less appetizing but still works. If you use dog food instead, it will not be effective and your dog will not be motivated to obey. Do not spoil your dog by offering him treats, he could become obese and have health problems. Make sure that the meat is always well cooked and that it does not have bones that could damage the dog's intestines.
- Spray your dog with water to make him understand your messages, but never hurt him.
