Expert: Robin Woodward - 11/3/2009

Question
My JRT barks and runs wild when someone comes to the door. If it is someone she knows, she jumps up on them. If she does Not know them, I have to lock her in a bedroom until the person leaves. How can I stop this behavior??Thank you/


Answer
Your dog is behaving in a way that is rewarding to her. You must remove the reward and provide an alternative behavior that she will be rewarded for instead. For example, have your friends ignore her when she comes to the door until she sits nicely and then they can give her attention. Or you can get her in the habit of going to a mat or bed when someone comes to the door. Don't open the door till she is exibiting the required behavior and close the door if she gets up again. You will need several practice sessions with a few very patient volunteers but it will be worth it.