jumping at the door

[1whisper]

My dog lets us know she wants in by jumping at the back door and scratching at the handle. She does this so much that the door is easily opened even when locked. The whole house shakes when she starts the jumping and scratching, in fact we have to lock the door even when we are at home to stop her from constantly opening the door. I wouldn't mind quite so much if she wanted in each time, but she often does it just to open it then runs off to play again.

I have tried to ignore her and only open the door for her when she stands back and gives a bark to alert me but it is really hard when I see that even though the door is locked she is still able to make the bottom half come away from the frame. She has the door recked so much so that I need to buy a new one for security but cant do that until I can stop her from doing her thing!!!!!

Please help (anyone)

[Todd]

Hi there and thanks for the question.

Hmmm it sounds to me like she is dictating terms around the door.

You should reprimand your dog for unacceptable behavior, no matter what that behavior is. If you do not reprimand your dogs poor behavior then it will feel that it has the right to behave that way and it will take much longer to correct the behavior. Whenever she jumps up or scratches at the door tell her off immediately.

What I recommend you do, is the next time your dog acts poorly growl at her, use a guttural growl like " AAHHH!" instead of "No!", as this makes a sharper sound then "No" (If done correctly it may hurt your throat a little).

This will let her know it is not acceptable. You may also want to use something like a water pistol to help her get the idea.

Now after you tell her off make her sit. The second she sits then open the door and let her out. She is not allowed out until she is sitting and calm.
By rewarding her when she is good she will learn it is the better behaviour to show.

If all else fails you can consider a dog door so she can choose when she wants out.

Good luck and please let me know how things go

Todd

[Chipper]

While you are getting the jumping under control, you can teach her to ring a bell. You can purchase the wireless door chime quite cheaply in most places. Just make sure it is at nose level (if she's going to push it) or lower, if you teach her to ring it with her paw. It can be annoying when you don't get to the door quick enough, but it sure saves wear and tear. I have a bell left over from some Christmas decoration about 2'' in diameter hanging loosely beside the door inside, which she rings when she wants out.