Tackling Barking at the Doorbell

Training dogs to manage their barking at the doorbell involves changing their emotional associations and responses. By practicing with an external doorbell bell, the owner can reward the dog for going to the back of the house instead of rushing to the front door, fostering a calm expectation of treats rather than excitement and anxiety. Recognizing the nuances of barking is crucial; for instance, barking triggered by fear shows different physical characteristics compared to territorial barking. Thus, addressing the underlying causes rather than solely focusing on stopping the barking is essential for effective training.