Going nuts when people come to the door - Help

[buffym]

I could really use some help. My two boxers go absolutely crazy when someone comes to my house or even walks by. By crazy I mean, barking, growling and jumping at the door or windows. I cant even open the door because they want to get out. They are by no means aggressive towards people or other animals but they are frightening people away.

I have tried several different things from telling them to "Leave it" and "Off" and have even tried squirting them with water. Nothing seems to help.

Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Nicolette99]

Try reading a book titled, The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell. She covers barking, jumping, and territoriality in a way that I found easy to understand. I haven't yet read The Culture Clash (another BW member recommended book) only because it's not readily available at the local bookstore and had to be shipped.

I'm sure lots more BW members and moderators will offer helpful suggestions on helping your Boxers become more manageable. Good luck!

 

[BusterBella]

My two boxers, Buster and Bella, do the same thing. But through training and enforcing the "sit" or "no jumping" command, whenever a visitor comes to the door thier little bottoms wag and they wait for the visitor to pet them and then they go on thier way. We're still working with Bella on this since she just came to us this weekend (she's 9 months old) but she's learning very quickly. It took us a while with Buster since he is such a stubborn boy - but he knows now to wait to be aknowledged (he's 16months). As far as the barking and growling at the window, Buster is on the move. And forget it at night time - he runs and growls as each headlight passes - but as soon as he sees that everythings okay, he runs back to his pillow or back to his comfy spot on my feet next to the couch. We haven't actually discouraged this in him since the first time he did that we found two teenage boys looking in our window. As soon as they heard Buster they took off running up the road. Had Buster not sensed them we would have never known they were there (our house is set off the street quite a bit so the prowlers had a plan). So each time Buster growls and/or barks we usually pay attention and check out what's bothering him. I know it can be stressful at times when you have vistors (especially if they aren't animal lovers) but the dogs can be worked with to not make an entrance so dramatic. Good luck!

 

[ladyluck_t]

I have been working with my katie about this as well, i dont want to discourage her from alerting me to trouble, but she seems to think that any noise within 5 miles of the house is a danger. i have tried to stop her bark after one, and have her come to me and sit. that way she can guard as i check it out. it just takes lots and lots of time and persistance. i am trying to convince myself that i am more persistant than my boxer. (but it is close)

Good Luck!