Many dogs get sent into a tizzy the second there is a knock at the door. Not only is the ensuing barking and jumping loud, but it can also be intimidating for guests trying to enter. Though it may feel like this behavior is set in stone – after all, the instinct to protect the home is strong in many dogs – patience and consistency, you can train your dog to sit calmly and quietly when greeting visitors at the front door.
Our dogs are constantly learning from us based on the behaviors we encourage (whether or not we intend to encourage them). When your dogs start barking at the door to “protect” you, and you start yelling at them to “hush” or stop, they aren’t comprehending the words; instead, they feel like you are agreeing and matching their energy. The first step is to promise to stay calm during this process so that you don’t overexcite your pup.
“Go to Place” Method for Greeting Visitors
The ” place ” method is a popular training method for calmly greeting visitors is the “place” method. You assign a certain spot in the room, such as a crate, bed, or even a spot on the couch to be your dog’s “place.” When they’ve mastered this training, they will react to a knock or doorbell, not by barking and jumping, but by quietly running to their place and lying down.
To start, teach your dog to love its place. Use a treat to lure them to the spot, have them sit or lay down, then say “place” and give them the treat. This exercise will make up the first few days of your training sessions. Try to gradually stand farther and farther from the spot when you give the command to teach them that even when you aren’t standing next to it, you still expect them to go there.
Once they have learned what you expect when you tell them to place, begin incorporating the trigger noises. You can do this yourself by knocking on the inside of the door, or you can enlist the help of a friend to stand outside and knock. Most likely, your dog will seem to forget about their place. Take a deep breath, keep your voice calm, and correct them, using the treats again as a lure if you need to. Keep your training sessions short so that you don’t get your dog too stressed from all the knocking.
When your dog can go to their place after hearing a knock, you can move on to calmly allowing your guest inside. You may need a leash for this part to keep your pup from jumping. Your friend should ignore any attempts your dog makes to get attention; only when they are sitting nicely in their place should your guest give them attention. Be sure to arm your friend with a handful of treats to give your dog as well.
Doorbells and knocks are big triggers for many dogs, and getting them to overcome this protective instinct can be difficult. Keep that in mind as you and your pup slowly progress through this training. It is difficult and takes time, but it is so worth the relief of welcoming guests or sign for a package without a hassle.
Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is a professional dog training facility located in Bradenton, Florida.
