Whats the best way to get my dog to stop barking when people come to the house?”
Nuisance barking is probably the #1 complaint of dog owners, and can be one of the hardest behaviors to break because it is for the most part, innate behavior. However, with patience and persistence, it can be done. Dogs are territorial creatures, and some dogs/breeds are more prone to barking than others. Even though she has never threatened anyone, she is conveying the message by barking that she feels threatened, and she is making it clear that your home is her turf, and that she doesn’t appreciate your guests. I wouldn’t force the issue with your visitors trying to being friendly with her. That may be pushing her outside of her comfort zone, and could result in a snap or bite. Instead, give her a firm “That’s enough”, and mean it. Let her make friends on her terms and time, and don’t allow your guests to force themselves on her. If she continues to bark, give her the command again and then aim a squirt of lemon juice into her mouth. It needs to go directly into her mouth, and be ca
