10 Ways to Stop Your Dog Barking When the Doorbell Rings
You know the drill: a package arrives on your doorstep, or a friend shows up for coffee, and your dog springs into action. A loudly barking dog can be stressful for you, and also intimidating for the person at your front door. How can you keep your dog calm when the doorbell rings? Frustrated dog owners often ask their Dan’s Pet Care specialist for advice about this issue. We’ve got 10 tips and tricks for you to consider! This article lists several solutions to help you cope with excessive barking when the doorbell rings.
1. Get a Smart Doorbell
This one almost feels like cheating. With so many options available today, you can get a doorbell that puts you in control. Instead of hearing loud ringing throughout the house, you could choose to get an alert sent to your phone instead. This solution won’t work for all households or dogs, of course. Some dogs are just as triggered by footsteps and knocking as by the doorbell itself. Still, it’s worth consideration!
2. Hire an Obedience Trainer
If your dog often barks nonstop, you may benefit from obedience training. Most dogs can be trained to have some degree of self-control when it comes to barking. Your neighbors will definitely appreciate this effort!
3. Train Your Dog to Ignore the Doorbell Sound
With patience, you may be able to teach your dog to ignore the ringing of your doorbell. Try feeding your dog something special and ringing the doorbell while they’re eating it. Praise your dog anytime they keep their focus on the treat, not on the doorbell.
4. Use a Physical Barrier
If your dog tends to crowd visitors at the entrance to your home, you might want to consider using a childproof gate or other barrier. Keeping your dog away from the source of the ringing can help reduce stress.
5. Ask Your Vet For Advice
If you’re concerned about your dog getting overexcited when company comes, ask your vet about the situation. Your vet may recommend medications or natural calming solutions to reduce your pet’s anxiety.
6. Train Your Dog to Go to a “Landing Spot”
If you train your dog to go to a specific spot in the house on command, you can tap into this training when the doorbell rings. Try rewarding your dog for going to a special spot. Give a command, point to the spot, and offer treats if your dog obeys. Once your dog can do this consistently, try ringing the doorbell while giving the command.
7. Make Sure Your Dog Is Properly Socialized
If your dog gets nervous at the prospect of company, make sure they’re getting enough opportunities to interact with a variety of people. Pet stores, vet’s offices, and dog parks are a few places where your dog can learn to trust strangers that you trust.
8. Ring the Bell and Knock Surfaces Around the House Frequently
If you give your dog enough “false alarms,” he or she will gradually lose interest in the sound of a ringing doorbell or knock on the front door. Try ringing the doorbell as often as possible so that it becomes a routine event in your household. You can also knock on coffee tables, walls, or other surfaces. Before long, your dog will stop noticing this sound as much.
9. Ask Visitors to Skip the Bell
If you’re tired of barking every time the doorbell rings, try asking your visitors not to ring it before they come. A small sign on the door can also let people know to avoid the bell and knock instead.
10. Play Fetch With Your Dog
To get your dog to lose interest in the ringing doorbell, try throwing a toy or treat far away from the front door. For some dogs, this can be a helpful distraction from the stress of a new visitor.
Loud barking can be annoying, but remember that your dog is trying to help. Their home is their territory, and they want to protect it—and you—from any harm. With some creativity and patience, you can reduce your dog’s stress response when company comes.
