Hi everyone! I'm new here and am desperately seeking advice. My husband and I have a 3 year old lab mix whom we've had since he was 4 weeks old (he's like our family). He does not bite or attack people but does have a very loud bark. He is also very excitable and barks excessively. He barks when people come over or when someone leaves the house. We have a 2 year old daughter (who, thankfully, has no fear of him whatsoever) but we'd like to invite her friends over. Our dog will bark and jump on people. Once he calms down, he's your best friend. Unfortunately, children are reluctant to come near him. He has a very agressive bark and sounds scarier than he is. We've asked our veternarian for help but their suggestions (squirting him with water, making a loud noise) have not worked. We love our dog very much and want people to love him too. I was hoping fellow dog lovers would have some advice or maybe some encouragement? Anything would help! I've even considered asking the Dog Whisperer for help!

I would get Cesar Millan to help. I read his book, Cesar's Way. He is very good at helping rehabilitating bad behavior.
Keep us informed of his progress.
Good Dog Day

Hi, my vet said to hold the snout shut for 5 seconds. Very gentle pressure on top, every time he barks. Do it very lovingly. I would get down to his level hug him around the neck & hold. It worked like wonders on our pup. He knew he was not in trouble just that there was no need for the noise. Now he gives one little woof to let us know someone is here then he sits with the tail going crazy!

Holding the muzzle works fine with a pup, but with a 3yr old you won't be getting anywhere with this technique...it might even lead to biting if he gets frustrated. First, is your dog getting the exercise he needs? A lab needs at least 2 hrs of strenous work and exercise per day. Second, it doesn't sound like he's had any training...a 3 yr old dog who jumps on people should have been corrected as a pup. I would suggest enrolling in a good obedience class and working with a professional on these badly ingrained habits. The older the dog gets, the worse he will become.
For the barking you could try putting an e-collar on him until he realizes that he is punishing himself, this doesn't take very long. Then you can tape a old battery to his normal collar and he will think he still has the e-collar on.

When your dog gets very excited and starts barking completely ignore him. As soon as he calms down and quiets down, pay attention to him. If he starts up again, immediately stop and ignore him again. This method will take everyone's cooperation and a little time but it works great. The last thing you dog wants is less attention. He will make the connection.

I agree Cesar Millan is really good. My Male dal Dash barks at strangers when we are out for walks. I do what Cesar does by the cupping of my hand and what I call tapping him in the neck area like Cesar does and doing the shht at the same time all the while having him in a sitting position. I have also followed with having a backpack when walking him. Maybe before people come to visit give your dog a good long walk to help tire him out.

I hope this is helpful.

is he neutered?

lets just take one issue - when company comes to the door. what do you say? do you get him all excited by saying things like "who's that?" in an higher pitched voice. many people do this & don't realize they are causing a lot of the problem. the tone of voice has a great impact on the dog's behavior.

labs need tons of exercise daily. jogs for at least half an hour twice a day.

you can start with simple training to get some control by googling NILIF but that does not replace the need for obedience classes. I would suggest several levels & before you sign up - go & observe. see how the trainer interacts with the dogs & the owners. & not at pet stores. good luck

Like usual, Sue has some great advice!

Labs don't actually mature and settle down until about 4 years old (or older sometimes!). They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation (training).

When my boys get excited over someone coming to the door (one of which is a lab cross) I tell them "ENOUGH". I like my dogs to let me know when someone's in the yard, but they tend to kind of over do it :P If they bark more after I tell them "ENOUGH" they are told "NOOOOO, ENOUGH" and put in a sit or down stay away from the door. Having a leash handy by the door can help too to attach to the dog and give you that little bit of extra control before you open the door. Have him SIT and STAY when your company comes in, and he's not allowed to move until you've asked your company to give him a pet on the head and say hello. It will take a LOT of practice and consistency before he will be sitting and staying like you ask, so keep at it and try asking a friend to come to the door a few times to practice!

My important rule for jumping is this: if his butt is on the floor, there's no way he can physically jump on someone. This method has worked great for teaching my boys not to jump on people. If they jump up it's "NO! SIT!" and once they have that butt on the floor THEN they get pets and attention.

I deffinatly think more exercise and basic obedience is in order.

I could train my dogs much better if the people would just listen. I train them not to jump up but then everybody says ahhhhh they're ok!!!!!!! NO THEY ARE NOT OK! we don't reward bad behavior here. well the company sure does

Originally Posted by suebgone

I could train my dogs much better if the people would just listen. I train them not to jump up but then everybody says ahhhhh they're ok!!!!!!! NO THEY ARE NO OK! we don't reward bad behavior here. well the company sure does

Ah yes i know that one.
My mother is the worst offender