What to do if your dog growls at guests: advice for pet owners

23.11.2023 03:30

The appearance of strangers in the apartment is stressful for the dog.

It is not surprising that the pet begins to bark or growl in this case.

The animal perceives a person who comes to visit as a stranger who may pose a danger.

In such a situation, some owners do nothing or start talking to their pet in a gentle voice so as not to "offend" their four-legged friend. Others, on the contrary, severely punish the dog.

Both approaches are wrong. When a dog growls at guests, the owner should act differently.

dog
Photo: © Belnovosti

The right approach

The dog started barking at the visitor? You need to immediately pull the dog back or loudly tell it: "No!"

In other words, it is necessary to make your pet understand that its behavior is unacceptable.

You need to act quickly and confidently. No affectionate requests or cooing! Otherwise, the pet will start to consider itself more important than its owner.

But an overly harsh reaction is also unnecessary. Hitting a dog is absolutely forbidden.

What other rules must be followed?

If the dog does not react to the loud voice and jerking, then the pet should be taken to another room and locked there. In other words, the animal should be “isolated” from the guest.

In addition, you can do this: give the dog something tasty right after the doorbell rings. Then the appearance of guests in the house will be associated with a positive moment for the pet.

Author: Kurchev Anton Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Content
  1. The right approach
  2. What other rules must be followed?