How do I stop my dog from barking, biting, and running out the door?

Question

hello, I have a 3 yr old dog (breed: Maltese terroir/ westie. I just want to know what to do, people have stopped coming over our house cause he will bark very loud and try to bite them. also if someone leaves the front door open and if fluffy (dog)sees a person walking past he will run and start barking etc. we really want to stop this behavior. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

It sounds like Fluffy is reactive and uncomfortable around people he doesn't know - this is a very common problem. I would recommend asking visitors to call ahead before arriving, so that you can put Fluffy in a separate room or a crate before they arrive. Once they are in and settled, you can bring Fluffy out on a leash and practice rewarding him with tasty treats for being calm. The front door needs to be better managed so that Fluffy cannot run out after people who are walking outside. If household members are not able to remember to close the door reliably, get a baby gate or other barrier to use as a back-up so that there's no way he can run out. Separately, to work on this problem, you can practice standing just inside the door with Fluffy on a leash, and feeding him treats every time someone walks by. Over time, he will learn to look at you for his treat when he sees a person, rather than wanting to chase them and bark. It can be difficult to do this on your own, do I would recommend getting in touch with a veterinary behaviorist or a good reward-based trainer who can help you in person. You can ask your vet to refer you to a qualified professional in your area.

How do I stop my dog from barking, biting, and running out the door?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?

My robo hamster is limp, bleeding, and collapsed. Is it wet tail?

Is my pet's occasional sneezing and eye crust a URI symptom?

My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?

How to keep a pet mom and her newborn babies warm and calm?

Share