Help with Stranger Anxiety (again)...(this time the victim is the poor UPS Guy)

[shelly]

I know I've posted about this NUMEROUS times, but here goes again....

I'm exhausted from running up and down the stairs every time Tori barks today.  Our next door older widowed neighbor has recently been having a 'friend' over.  he comes over frequently on his motorcycle (well more like a big mini-bike).  I have been working on the "no bark" when she barks out the window at the new 'friend', and treating her with small pieces of.... pretzels - her favorite treat.  It's been working pretty well when I'm on top of it.

 

 She also FREAKS out when the UPS guy comes (which is a lot here).  She can actually hear the van coming down the road and no matter where she is in the house, she tears down to the window and barks CRAZILY!  (the poor guy is so used to it, that he mozies on up to my in-laws side door and drops the package, waves to Tori and walks back to his truck.  

 

So here's my question.  I thought of letting her smell the package that comes and then treating her with the bits of pretzel... do you think she could actually associate the pretzels, with the box, with the truck??? (I know she's awfully smart, but, am I pushing it just a bit?)  I'd love to block off the rooms with the front windows, but that's just impossible, and she'd probably only bark at the blockade I made, not solving anything.  I'm also worried because I will be starting a kitchen remodel and "strangers" will be doing some work here.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh, I know what you mean.  This is so much NOT fun.  It is a difficult situation. Many days I am heartbroken.  I do not talk much about it...........  just crushed.

Shelly, we use a muzzle.  Not for the barking but for the aggression.   With a muzzle the people are safe but of course we have a training collar on for corrections of behavior.   We also have treats, but at this time, they are rarely given.  She just won't break a stare.  Shelly, I know you have considered this but do attend an obedience class.  It does not make the dog perfect, but it helps YOU to deal with difficult situations.  The dog needs to know how to deal with them too. Right now, I do not think Tori knows.

Through training we are very good in public.  It has worked out very well.   Now, we have territorial issues in the home.  Those are the next lessons and I do believe we can handle them. She will know too.

Praise to those perfect dogs, wherever they may be.

 

[shelly]

Oh, Joanne..... I hear ya'!  I really need to possibly look for a behaviorist  I have been saying that for like forever.  Truth is they are so much money and well, DH doesn't really seem to think it's worth it.  I know what you mean about "the stare"...that's what I mean by her 'fix'...I don't think she'd bite anyone, and she does settle down when people come to "Little Miss Manners".  I too tip my Doodle Cap to 'those' dogs and their owners!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Is barking so bad?   My trainer praised the dog who barks.  She also praised them when they stop.  It is a Dog Thing we humans just don't understand I suppose.

A behaviorist is great.  We are fortunate to have a few on  hand at training.  It did not cure my dog, however, it provided incite to know what we would be dealing with for a lifetime and the proper training that was needed.  I remember the  first class, each dog was evaluated and then the classes were separated as to need.

Funny though, all these classes focus on the BASIC of commands,  Sit, Stay, Down, It really is all that is needed.  Consistent in those commands,

So, that said, if a Basic Obedience Class can help us, I think it will help you too.  I know Tori does not travel well.  That makes it difficult.  But sometimes I think people are looking for the extreme cure they feel they need the extreme trainer and................ I think it comes down to the basics.  Keep it Simple. 

[shelly]

TRUE Joanne!  It's really not the 'barking' it's that she gets so fixed on it....It's not like this is something new... I have been 'complaining' about it for quite a while... She was timid from the beginning. Perhaps "MY EARS" should have been raised at the sign of her timidness... but of course that was "BDK" (before I found DK!).... I think we Tori and I would be different 'people' had I found DK before the dog!  lol (sigh... now off to go train... but can't find anyone around!  wish my neighbors biker friend would come over - lol)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Start with a class first. One that shows you the CORRECT way to do corrections.  One that shows you the correct  collar, correct size, and truly what to expect from a dog.

You are a teacher.  Would you give a child a book but not show him to read?

Honestly, if I were to ever get another dog, I would return to a class and start all over.  

[shelly]

I say the same thing... our next dog will.... or won't....

[Adina P]

There's not much a behaviorist can do that an excellent trainer can't.  Just find an excellent trainer who holds classes.  Tori is not 'special needs' or beyond obedience.  If and when she's spot on in the obedience section and will obey impeccably anywhere...THEN worry about her.  Until then...just get her trained and I'm pretty sure the rest will follow.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

DITTO, to Adina's comments.  KISS is the principle for any dog at this point in the game.

[shelly]

Haha... I had a teacher friend of mine, who was more 'experienced' than myself when I first started, who, when it came time to develop a lesson when we needed to be evaluated.. would always say K.I.S.S!  definitely applies to all life's lessons! :D

[shelly]

True.. thanks Adina!!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Calla will occasionally bark at someone who comes to the door and comes in but thankfully that's it. After a minute or two she accepts them and usually they end up friends. It must be scary not knowing what the dog will do.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

My not so friendly dog, is the one who does NOT BARK at all.  If it weren't for Spud, we would have no idea someone was at the door.  Go figure.

She uses body language to express herself.  Head down, tail up, ears back.  She looks like a cat waiting to pounce. I know when something is not right in her world and she may never make a sound.

Too bad.  She has a lovely bark.  Nice sound