If you have a dog then you no doubt have had to deal with them barking at the doorbell more times than you can count. Dogs bark at the doorbell for a number of reasons like being territorial or being excited, either way it’s an annoying habit to deal with. Continue reading to learn more about why dogs bark, and how to stop your dog from barking at the doorbell.
Why Your Dog Barks At The Door
Dogs are sensitive to noises and can be easily startled by a knock at the door or the sound of the doorbell. Some dogs immediately become defensive at the thought of a stranger entering their home. Other dogs may just be impatient and want to know who or what is on the other side of the door right away! Your dog could also be excited because they know who is on the other side of the door. It’s important to understand why your dog is barking before you try to correct this behavior.
Signs Your Dog Is In Distress When They Bark At The Door:
- Ears pulled back
- Tail low and tucked between legs, or high and wagging quickly
- Shaking, pacing, spinning
- Inability to focus
- Won’t eat food or treats they enjoy
- Excessive panting
Signs Your Dog Is Excited When They Bark At The Door:
- They run straight to the door when it rings
- They wag their tail in circular motion or side to side in middle position
- Full-body wags
- Barking is intermittent instead of incessant
How To Stop Your Dog From Barking At The Doorbell
- Don’t yell. This only adds to the noise your dog is hearing and can give them negative associations with you and the door. Remain calm during this process and be patient with your dog.
- Grab treats for them. Get their favorite treat whenever the doorbell rings to create the association between getting a treat and hearing the doorbell ring. Tossing some treats away from the door is one way you could distract them.
- Talk them through it. Calmly respond to their bark to acknowledge them. Like, “Yeah, that’s our friend coming” or “it’s just the food delivery.” Saying this every time makes your dog grow accustomed to the sound of the doorbell because they know what will happen.
- Repetition is key. Like all dog training, repeating the same response to your dog is the key to creating routine and normalcy for them, which in turn makes them less anxious and afraid.
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