Common House Dog Complaints And How to Deal with Them
Your pup is most likely the best thing that has ever happened to you at this point. Not only are they good companions but they are also fun co-residents that have the energy of three humans (or more, depending on the age).
But not all can appreciate the quirkiness of your dog, specifically your friends or other guests who show up at your door. Because your pooch rarely sees them unlike you, their natural instinct is to get suspicious or overexcited on the unfamiliar face. This leads them to do unwanted actions that your guests may not appreciate.
Here are few of the many complaints your house guests may think (but might not be brave enough to tell you) about your furry family member:
Complaint #1: He’s barking nonstop since I came here.
Solution: Train your dog to ignore the doorbell.
There are two reasons why your dog keeps on barking as a newcomer enters your abode–either he’s warning you of intruders, or he’s overexcited to meet the guests. Whatever the reason, they must learn to ignore the ding-dong by training them the way you teach them where to pee (or NOT to pee), eat, and sleep, among others–using treats, collar, and leash.
Note: if you are worried that it might make your dog desensitized when burglars actually come in, do keep in mind that they won’t use the doorbell before entering. You are still safe once your dog gets used to the exercise.
Complaint #2: I don’t appreciate your dog jumping towards me whenever I’m at your home.
Solution: Teach your pooch to wait by the door–like a real human gentleman.
One gentlemanly gesture that is still being practiced today is for the man to wait by the door as the woman gets in. You can teach your dog to do the same. Once they master this “trick,” expect your guests to be impressed and love your dog in the process.
Complaint #3: It’s begging for my food…and I can’t resist his goo-goo eyes!
Solution: Make him or her stay in his place.
A food beggar-dog can look cute in your eyes. But to your guests who do not prefer having dogs around them, a pooch roaming under the table may turn them off.
To remedy this, train your dog to have a designated place to stay while you eat as a family (you can have one family member or friend help you). Have a code word, for example, “Bed,” to signify that you are commanding him to go to his crate or assigned area. Once he follows, award him with praise and treats. In time, your dog would get the idea.
Complaint #4: He bites/pees/chews/sniffs me/my *insert body part here*
Solution: Take him away!
If your dog exhibits a somewhat harmful or offensive behavior, it is time to take him away from the houseguests before they do something regrettable.
However, if worse gets to worst like he bit a visitor, apologize profusely and offer to pay the medical costs involved. Do NOT blame the guest for what happened. Ever.
Complaint #5: My child is scared of him.
Solution: Teach the kid to be in control.
Most kids (and some adults) get scared over something because they have no control over it. Thankfully, this situation can be handled.
First, teach the kid how to play Fetch with your dog. Supervise every movement closely. Use positive words like “You can do this” instead of “Do not do that.”
As time pass by, the child may forget about his fear and starts to enjoy his or her moment with your pup. If, however, the kid is not willing to try, do not force the encounter. Keep your dog behind a baby gate instead. That way, he can still witness the merriment without feeling left out.
As you can see, the key to making your home agreeable to both your dog and visitors is to train your dog well whenever they are around. By using ingenuity and a lot of treats, both parties can stay together harmoniously–even for a few hours only.
