What to Do When a Dog is Barking at Guests

Not all dogs are happy to see guests, and many can be quite territorial. Others are as friendly as can be and would lick someone to death before biting them. The barking can be very annoying, and some dogs don't stop barking, even long after guests have arrived.

My Shi-Tzu is a strange little dog. I love him dearly, but he begins barking at guests before they ever reach the door, and he makes his displeasure known in no uncertain terms. Strangely enough, his tail wags the entire time. He even growls while his tail is wagging, and his mixed messages can be very confusing.

I warn guests not to pet my dog. Some people say their dog won't bite, but I would never assume my wouldn't. Without knowing what the animal is thinking, I'd never say for certain that he wouldn't bite, and the barking has gone on almost the entire time guests have been in my home.

I've found a few ways to get my dog to stop barking at guests. If your dog is barking at guests and stopping you from visiting with friends and relatives, give these ideas a try. Hopefully your dog will become accustomed to seeing new people and remember former guests, and with any luck you won't have to banish him to a bedroom.

Making Friends

Dogs unsure of guests aren't thinking about making friends. They're barking in an effort to get them to go away. When dogs outside bark at passersby, they think the strangers have left because of their barking, when little did they know, the strangers weren't sticking around anyway. Canines can have a little too much confidence at times.

Warn guests not to pet your dog, and instead, have guests talk to him in a soft friendly voice. It's also helpful to hand guests a treat or two. Dogs love treats, and a stranger bearing treats can't be all that bad. I've given guests treats to give my barking pooch, and it worked for a little while. Every dog is different, and this little trick is definitely worth a try.

Ignoring the Barking