Help - UPS & Strangers when ringing doorbell

[Legendsz]

How do I calm my baby down when someone rings the doorbell? Whenever someone rings the doorbell, he would charge to the door. But when I or any of my other family members pick him up, he would swing his head all over the place and BITE extremely hard to whatever/whoever is near by. He really hates UPS people for some reason as well..

[chestermama]

has he been to a training class, or try having someone come to the door with treats so it is something good for him, how old and how well was he socialized as a puppy. Some dogs just dont like the uniforms I think, chester barks and then I open the door and he just wants to be petted

[Storm Alexander]

Storm does the same but If I order pizza or anything I will just put him in another room with the door closed. He hasn't bitten anyone yet just barks and if they reach for him he will stop then go to them; he is such a push over.

[SWHouston]

SA,

What wonderful little guys we have, loving, caring, protective, FurEver

It's apparent that he's identified his territory (your dwelling), and
his Pack as well (you and yours). But beyond the companionship, Dogs
are "tools" as well. It's very important to me, that both mine are
VERY alert about who's approaching, and are persistent in that "alarm".

Can you teach him the difference...
between a Policeman with a Gun, and a Burglar with a Gun ?
Or the UPS Guy with a package, and someone who is using a
package to gain access to your residence ?

If you're really uncomfortable with his actions, then try to change
him, but, remember the value of his protectiveness.

Have a good Day !
S.W.

[Britster]

To be honest, I don't necessarily mind the barking at the door. Initially! As long as it doesn't go on forever... I can get him to stop after a few seconds. He's alerting me of 'intruders' so I don't necessarily mind. I don't think I've ever met a dog that doesn't bark when the door bell rings or knocks... so it's just something I've never trained out of him. I do however teach him to be quiet when I ask of it and then I give him a treat!

[Micah my love]

I don't need a doorbell my kids let me know the minute a vehicle stops and runs to the door..hopefully they will alert me should someone come at night while i sleep

[lovemy3babies]

My 3 bark like crazy when they hear the doorbell, but then they settle down.

They even bark when they hear a doorbell on tv.

[Maximo]

My boys love doing battle with the big brown beast that is the UPS truck. I've tried introducing them to the truck when it was parked, but they are still convinced that it and its driver are enemies.

I agree with Brit, I don't mind when they bark at the doorbell, but they need to quiet down when I open the door.

If your pup is biting in these situations, that means he is in "the zone" and thinks there is real danger. Have friends or family help you do training exercises. Check out Victoria Stilwell's books and videos (online). One of her methods is to put a rug next to the door and then teach the dog to go to the rug and sit before the door is opened. I keep my boys gated off from the entry way, so their place is at the gate.

First teach your boy to sit nicely on the rug using lots of praise and yummy treats. Then have your helper ring the door bell or knock and teach your dog to sit quietly on the rug. This will take a lot of repetition and patience. If he goes bananas, stand perfectly still and watch until he calms down. You may want to keep him on a leash at first during the exercises to keep him from biting you. Once he is calm, praise and give a treat. Don't attempt opening the door until he is calm. If he acts out when you open the door, close the door immediately. Once he is calm, try opening the door again.

Good luck.