is this normal dog behavior?

[orangedragonfly]

and how do I stop it. our doggie is 9 months old. she is a collie/hound mix, that we got from a local rescue. she is other wise good and well behaved. we have been actively getting her trained. BUT when someone comes to the house. she barks uncontrolebly, she jumps,growls, I even thought I saw her nip once.:yikes: This is so unacceptable. I love my dog but I also like company LOL.
she is so good if we bring her to someone eles house or yard. its just our house. How can I break her of this?

 

[squirtsmom]

She needs good obedience training, you are right that is not acceptable behavior. Stay here on Chaz, and you will get excellent advice. Welcome again.

 

[SisMorphine]

Definitely not acceptable behavior. I would consult a trainer and start getting at least some basic obedience on her, but you'll probably need some behavioral modification lessons also.

 

[Christin Luvs Dogs]

First, if you know she will most likely have that reaction to someone coming over, remove her from the area. Do not allow the behavior to become more ingrained while you seek help! Especially if you suspect she might want to bite. Also, seek a good behavioral training or even a behaviorist. Do not hire someone who will put a shock collar on your dog. With any type of aggression behavior, this can backfire! Good luck and I feel for you.

 

[Doberluv]

Whenever you expect someone to come to the door, have her already on a leash and tether her at enough of a distance from the door that her arousal level is low. Pay absolutely NO attention to her when she starts barking etc and ask the person ahead of time to do the same. When she is calm, even for a second or two, ask the person to toss a small, yummy treat in front of her. No fussing over her or eye contact. Have the person not face her straight on, but keep her body sideways and don't look at her. Everytime she has a few seconds of quiet/calm, have the guest toss a treat for her. Keep her at this "safe" distance for a while.

Does she ever settle down, once the person has been there for a whille? If so, bring her a little closer....not too close until she is able to be calm at the previous distance.

You can also use a crate instead of tethering her. Teach her to go to her crate when someone knocks on the door. (practice with family members or friends as door knockers) She goes to her "safe" place and is given treats for relative calmness. When things settle down and if she is able to tolerate the person being in your house, let her out for some handouts and attention from the visitor or practice "visitor." Give attention and eye contact ONLY when she is relatively calm.

The being at a distance tied to door knob or something......or being in the crate is NOT a punishment. It is an "out" for her, a way to help her keep distance which should help her relax and not get overly aroused at the initial "intrusion" of this visitor. You're rewarding/reinforcing calm behavior and showing her that visitors are good things, not bad things. The highly agitated behavior will be somewhat prevented by the distance and by the humans NOT reacting to it, which further stirs her up.

This will be a sort of training program which you will need to actively practice every day a couple two-three times and not only on the occasional time when someone actually is visiting. Get help from family members and friends. Try that and see how it goes and let us know. Good luck.

 

[orangedragonfly]

Do not hire someone who will put a shock collar on your dog>>>
oh I would never even think of this.

I have heard of putting her on a leash when people come over. the thing is we dont know when this will happen. when someone does come I put her into our bedroom with the door closed. its just when I do try to train her she gets so worked up , that it is near impossible to get her to listen to me........

we never got a crate to use with her, Im wondering if I should start?

 

[Doberluv]

Does she get all worked up in the bedroom? At what distance from the door does she get a little less worked up?

 

[Notes]

Does it make a difference as to the age or sex of your company?