Open the door to a calmer, better behaved dog
Our shy poodle howls and runs away when someone comes to the door. We cannot catch her in order to stop her. If I know someone is coming, I can have her leashed and ask her to be quiet. I was thinking of asking people to ring my doorbell repeatedly over a few days to correct this behaviour. Is this the correct way of approaching the problem?
In order for rehabilitation to be successful, there are two important considerations: does the program mimic real life and what side effects could it trigger? While some techniques might work for some dogs, that is little comfort if it backfires on yours. Repeatedly ringing the doorbell can fall under several treatment plans — depending on the dog. The benefits and risks of each possibility are worth discussing.
For some dogs, this would be habituation. This strategy is like moving next to railroad tracks. Initially the noise is bothersome. With time, you barely notice the sound. However, if you leave for a period of time and then return, the trains become obvious again.
Ringing the doorbell can act the same way. The dog stops responding to the bell with repetition. After a pause, such as one that happens in real life between real guests, the “surprise” triggers the barking. Barking comes back. While initial results make for impressive-looking YouTube videos, the return of barking in real life is disappointing. Fearful dogs might also sensitize. This is like watching horror movies, then jumping at every bump in the night. Dogs with moderate to high fear issues might want to avoid this technique. An alternate treatment plan that addresses both of these problems is desensitization and counterconditioning. This simply means that the dog overcomes the fear gradually. Scary things are paired with pleasant things.
Done correctly, these sessions would have long pauses between doorbell rings to mimic real life. The devil is in the details.
For example, owners might begin by recording the sound of the doorbell on a smart phone. Turn the volume low and play the sound at random times. Immediately give the dog a treat. Over time, increase the volume, ensuring that the dog stays calm through the process.
Next, teach the dog to go lie on a mat, away from the door, each time the doorbell rings. This way, the dog knows what to do.
Finally, practice answering the door. Guests are not initially needed. Add real guests when the dog is ready for the challenge. The dog can learn to overcome fear toward strangers on calmer terms.
Desensitization does have many steps, which help avoid potential problems. When executed correctly, progress is rather quick. Since little details really do matter, get coaching from an experienced professional. Our young dog has started to dig holes when we put him out in the yard. When he digs, I go outside and ask him to stop, but it is not working. How can I get my dog to stop digging?
Dogs need supervision and training or else they engage in activities that owners might not like. Owners need to get outside with their dogs. Focus on teaching the dog alternate activities. Get outside with a ball or busy toy. Encourage a mix of independent and interactive play. Intervene at the first sign that the dog is tempted to dig. Convince them that appropriate activities are fun in their own right. Yvette Van Veen is an animal behaviour consultant. Write her at advice@awesomedogs.ca.