Had a laugh the other night when the chinese delivery man came to the door and the bhoy went mental. I took him to the door so I could introduce him to the delivery guy and calm the dog down for future visits (and for other folk coming to the door).

Now I had a good hold of him but he was barking (defensivly I think) and the delivery guy bolted out the gate despite my cries of "he's only a pup (7 months)" and "I've got control of him don't worry", but the guy was having none of it (might have done the same myself).

All I was trying to do was give the bhoy more socialising but I now realise that was the wrong place/time/way to do it as the guy told me he was scared of dogs (maybe the dog picked up on that) and I had to put him in his crate and give the poor guy a good tip <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Now I'm not sure what I should do in these situations in future? I don't want to have to crate the dog every time someone comes to the door, defeats the purpose of having a dog for me as it puts the nasty people off, but also makes good folks a bit jumpy.

Down stay is not solid enough yet to be a viable option right now.

Also does anyone have a good way of dealing with visitors into the house i.e. how to introduce them to the dogs turf etc. to minimise the stress on the dog and so I can leave him out of the crate?

I know I should throw a couple of treats here and there but he's more into prey than food I think and it's possible he'll just let the food go and show some more interest in the visitor.

Cheers

John

I let my dog bark at delivery people, repair people etc. They are people with high exposure to peoples homes, they are the ones who know who's home, who's not, and what posessions you own. It doesn't hurt to instill a little fear into people that you don't know. I just sit/stay or down/stay my dog when I open the door and tell him "it's ok". It's a training exercise, if your dog isn't solid on his down/stay then that's a good opportunity to work on it, it's a distraction. If I let people into my home I never have a problem with my dog, in fact he's probably too damn friendly, so if you have a dog that will be aggressive to guests in the home, someone else better give you some advice on that because I've never had to deal with it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Once my dog is told "it's ok" all stress is relieved, he might watch people, but he's not gonna flip out on them unless they do something stupid to put him into defense.

Hi Mike's,

Mike #1 - I'm now thinking it's not a bad idea if he doesn't like people at the door. I'll work harder on that down stay.

Mike #2 - Very thorough post and I thank you for it.

I'll try to keep all that in mind as there are some very good points in there.

Cheers

John

I, too, allow (and prefer) my dogs to bark at someone on our turf. Whether we are in the house or our in the yard, I want and encourage them to be alert.

My GSD/Lab mix has a sold enough sit to be commanded to sit while she watches the person(s), and if she feels continued barking is appropriate I allow her to. There is just something about the attention of a dog that some people don't like. Especially, when that individual has bad/unwanted intentions.

My 4 month GSD is just learning. So, I have him sit and I usually stand on his drag leash. The leash is great if he decides to bolt (which he has not done to date) or to give a correction if he stands up (which he has done).

As a side note: my wife would rather that the dogs not bark because strangers only come during the kid's naptime.

Your dog barking at strangers is a very good thing.But if you allow him to bark at guests it isnt. neither is letting guests give your dog treats, he would get used to taking anything from anybody.i shouldnt say anyone. a my father gives mygerman shpherd treats but he knows him. ( Here in ontareio we have had a few problems with people giving dogs meat laced with poison and then doing B&Eing) Get him something to lay on, a pillow or a fuzzy mat and train him what "got to your pillow/mat" means. then when guests come tell him to go to his mat and when everyone is comfortable (if they can get comfotable with a german shepherd in the room)get him to come off his mat and shake a paw with every one.it is cute and pleasent.then after that to keep him occupied give him a pig ear of a bone to chew on.

 Quote:

( Here in ontareio we have had a few problems with people giving dogs meat laced with poison and then doing B&Eing)

What is B&Eing??

John

 Quote:

 Quote:

( Here in ontareio we have had a few problems with people giving dogs meat laced with poison and then doing B&Eing)

What is B&Eing??

John

Breaking & Entering