Thanksgiving is a time for Canadian families to come together, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate. However, it can also be stressful for dogs, especially if they tend to bark at guests. Managing your dog’s behaviour and reducing excessive barking is possible with the right training, clear boundaries, and environment. In this blog, we’ll share effective tips and solutions to help manage your dog’s behaviour, so you can enjoy a peaceful and stress-free (at least as far as the dog’s concerned!) Thanksgiving celebration with your loved ones.
Why Does My Dog Bark at Guests?
Before addressing how to stop your dog’s barking, it’s important to understand why dogs do it. Barking at guests is often a result of:
• Anxiety or Fear: Your dog may feel threatened by strangers, especially if they are not used to visitors.
• Excitement: Some dogs bark because they’re overly excited to meet new people.
• Lack of Socialization: If your dog hasn’t been exposed to different people or situations, they may not know how to behave around guests.
• Protective Behaviour: Dogs can instinctively bark to protect their territory from unfamiliar people.
Understanding the root cause of your dog’s barking will help you determine the best course of action. In many cases, a combination of training, management, and patience can solve the problem. However, if your dog’s barking is persistent or linked to anxiety, fear, or territorial behaviour, seeking professional is often necessary. Bark Busters offers expert, in-home training tailored to your dog’s needs, helping you address the underlying issues that cause excessive barking.
1. Set Clear Boundaries
One of the most effective ways to stop your dog from barking at guests is to establish clear rules. If your dog has the habit of barking when someone enters, it’s important to address it consistently. Here are some steps to follow:
• Create a designated space: Set up a quiet area for your dog to go to when guests arrive, using a crate, bed, or a room where they feel safe.
• Only greet your dog when they are calm: Many dogs bark for attention when guests arrive. Remember – “you get what you pet”, so only pet your dogs when they are displaying the desired behaviour.
• Limit freedom: Don’t let your dog roam freely at the start of the gathering. Allowing them to get overly excited can encourage more barking.
Being consistent with these boundaries will help your dog understand what’s expected during busy times like Thanksgiving.
2. Gradually Introduce Your Dog to Guests
You can help your dog get used to the presence of guests in a controlled manner. This can be especially helpful for dogs who bark out of fear or excitement.
• Practice introductions: Have one or two trusted guests come over for short visits and practice your dog’s response. Practice keeping eyes and hands off the dog until they settle, and petting/praising them only when they are calm.
• Controlled exposure: If your dog gets excited by the doorbell or knocking sounds, start by playing a recording of the sound at a low volume and praising your dog for staying calm. Gradually increase the volume until they are desensitized to the noise.
This technique helps reduce anxiety and excitement, so your dog learns to stay calm during real interactions.
3. Provide Mental and Physical Exercise
A tired dog is less likely to bark excessively. Before your Thanksgiving dinner begins, take your dog for a walk or engage in a play session to burn off excess energy. Providing enough physical and mental stimulation will help your dog stay calm and focused when guests arrive.
• Interactive toys: Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys can keep your dog occupied during the event, helping them focus on something other than the doorbell.
• Walk or playtime: A long walk or a game of fetch will help release energy, making your dog less likely to bark out of boredom.
Dogs with adequate exercise are generally calmer and less likely to engage in disruptive behaviours like barking.
4. Seek Professional Help from Bark Busters Tr
If your dog’s barking behaviour is particularly stubborn, professional guidance can be invaluable. Bark Busters specializes in addressing dog behaviour issues, including barking at guests. Our training approach is rooted in leadership and consistency, and our trainers work directly with you and your dog to eliminate unwanted behaviour.
Bark Busters offers in-home training tailored to your dog’s needs, focusing on proactive teaching to help your dog feel secure and follow your instructions. With over 20 trainers across Canada, Bark Busters is here to help you enjoy a peaceful Thanksgiving with your dog.
FAQs: Handling Your Dog’s Behaviour and Barking at Guests
Q: How can I stop my dog from barking at guests when they arrive?
A: Establish clear boundaries, reward only calm behaviour with attention, and practice desensitization to reduce your dog’s excitement and anxiety around guests.
Q: What if my dog barks excessively out of fear of guests?
A: Gradual desensitization and creating a calm environment will help your dog become more comfortable with guests, for starters. In-home training will address fear-based barking. If your dog is fearful of guests, seek professional help. A fearful dog can lash out if they don’t feel they can trust the situation.
Q: Can I train my dog to stop barking at guests without professional help?
A: It’s possible. However, the internet is full of lots of misinformation, and information that may or may not be right for YOUR dog. We see hundreds of clients in a year who tried to do this themselves, and end up frustrated or with a worse problem. A Bark Busters trainer can easily identify the root cause of the problem, and design a program to rehabilitate your dog.
Q: Is it normal for my dog to bark at guests?
A: Without your guidance, dogs will typically decide and bark at whatever they think is unusual. It’s up to us, as good dog caretakers, to teach them what is okay!
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, but it can be stressful for dogs who are prone to barking at guests. By implementing clear boundaries, desensitizing your dog to visitors, and providing enough exercise, you can help your dog stay calm during the festivities. If you’re struggling with barking issues, Bark Busters’ in-home trainers across Canada are ready to help. Contact a Bark Buster trainer near you today to ensure your Thanksgiving is peaceful and enjoyable for both you and your dog.