Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 11/12/2007

Question
i have a 7 year old mixed dog and he has just become a house dog for aproximately a month. My question is 'HOW" do i get him to bark when someone comes to the door and or the driveway, or ring the doorbell. He sometimes get up when he hears the door and the car pull up but other than that, NOTHING..he wont bark when someone aproaches the house. He sleeps anywhere he wants but mainly in my girls room at night. He is somewhat territorial of the backyard to SOME PEOPLE, but not all. Mainly barks at other animals. What do i do before i get rid of him. I expected him to be somewhat of a watch dog inside the house at least. He sleeps more sound than i do and he snores at night when he sleeps. You can actually sneak up on him and he wont know you are there...HELP!!!!THANKS...Tony...rigged2@yahoo.com

Answer
Dear Tony,
Thanks for the question. If he will bark at any thing, then you can teach him to bark at specific things.

Teach him to bark (speak) on command. Then teach him that the doorbell or door knock is another signal for him to bark. It's not too difficult, but too is detailed for me to write here.

You'll need a reward system and a communication system. Before you give up, visit http://apdt.com and search for a trainer near you.

Thanks.
Alan J Turner
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