3-year-old Golden Retriever. He wakes her up with his barking, of course; our one-year-old is awake. Dogs bark, I get that, but whenever he gets reprimanded, regardless of how harsh the correction, he invariably lets out one or two additional barks, as though to say “fuck you.” Are there any tricks to get this out of him?
To help your Golden Retriever stop barking at the door, try positive reinforcement with treats for quiet moments, and redirect his attention with toys or commands. Regular exercise and avoiding harsh corrections can also make a big difference in calming his barking habits.
I’m having the same problem. When the delivery person—or anyone, really—gets close, he loses it. On the other hand, I appreciate that nobody comes close to my house without my knowledge!
Your dog barks at the door because he’s excited or nervous. Yelling won’t help, it might make it worse. Here are some tips:
- Desensitize: Gradually get him used to door sounds with quiet recordings and treats.
- “Quiet” Command: Train him with a “quiet” command using treats and praise.
- Redirect: Distract him with a toy when he barks at the door.
- Exercise: A tired dog is less likely to bark. Make sure your Golden Retriever gets enough walks and playtime.
Be consistent and patient! If you struggle, a dog trainer can help.