My dog reacts aggressively at the front door?!

12 08 2008

This can be a common problem. And it’s often a frustrating one for owners, especially those that have a lot of company come over. It’s always best to consult a professional trainer or behaviorist when dealing with any type of aggression. But we can give you a few tips on what NOT to do here.

First, realize that dogs have an “opposition reflex”. This means that they will move against pressure. In this case, if you grab their collar and pull back, it will automatically make them pull forward into the pressure in their collar. So it’s not a good idea to grab at their collar and drag them back. A better idea would be to keep them on a leash at the door if you want them there, or put them away in a secure area. 

Second, think about things from the dogs point of view. If you have a screen door open all day, and the dog sits there and barks through it, he has inadvertently been taught that he can make people react to him. He barks, people on the street move away (he thinks it’s because of him). Then they come to the door and he must bark louder and more frequently. We’ll discuss more about “barrier frustration” at a later time. 

Third, do not think that your dog will never bite. “He’s never done THAT before” is not an excuse for a bite. If the dog is lunging aggressively at the door, he may intend to bite, and you’re better off safe then sorry. Again, keep him on a leash, or put him in a secure area. Use a muzzle if necessary during training. 

Another thing to be aware of is a dog has triggers. If the doorbell ringing has always meant that you jump up and run to the door, and then there’s always someone at the door for the dog to get excited about, he soon will react to the doorbell as if someone is there. It’s important to note the sounds or movements that trigger your dog to the idea that someone is at the door, and then “lose those triggers”.


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