How can I deter my chihuahua/pug mix from barking/growling at visitors in my home. He is loving with us..?

bmgtrainer: How can I deter my chihuahua/pug mix from barking/growling at visitors in my home. He is loving with us..?
When people come over, our dog barks, and growls, and nips he is loving and cuddly with our immediate family. It doesn’t even make a difference when our other dog (jack/pug mix) is friendly and cuddly with anyone who comes in the house.I have tried to have the person offer treats, and he takes the treat but doesn’t warm up to others. He is such a great dog with us, and I want others to love him too!

Answers and Views:

Answer by YorkieGirl4ever
I think u should take him to behavior classes. Behavior classes can usually cure this problem.

Answer by Laura L
if you teach a dog to “speak” on command, they are less likley to bark because they will want a treat. or just keep them in a room, and when a visitor comes to the door, dont answer it until the dog is quiet. its a treat for the dog to see who is at the door.

Answer by Julie
he is probably just very Territorial give him no attention when he does this and he may learn it is not ok

Answer by cheryl
I solved this problem with a spray bottle and some water. Took awhile for them to get the message. Now they only have to see the bottle to settle down.

Answer by Dreena
We say NO Bark! and NO Bite! We tap her on the nose when she has done these things ( she has only done them about 4-5 times)
Obedience training may help.

Answer by al l
You need to tell the person to ignore the dog completely. When they enter the house you need to stand between the person and the dog and if the dog comes even within three feet of you grab him by the scruff and pin him to the ground until he calms down. This is a submissive position and it will teach the dog that the behavior at that time is not tolorable. Do this each time the dog does this. Once the dog is calm let him sniff the new person. Dogs will have a whole conversation with a person simply by sniffing. It tells what type of emotions that person has, what they eat, where they came from, any other animals that they have been around today, ect. The dog will then feel more comfortable around the person and will either warm up or ignore them. It’s going to take patience and repitition but in due time the introductions will become more positive. Whatever you do don’t reward the behavior with treats.