Barking and jumping up Wheaten Terrier

[Tracy1970]

Hi

I'm new on this board and rather hoping you will give me some advice that will help my parents with their 6 year old male Wheaten Terrier.

The Wheaten Terrier has always barked and jumped up at visitors but my parents have always been able to deal with him.

Unfortunately my father had a stroke in September so of course my Mum, Dad and the dogs lifestyle has changed. My Dad always took the dog out for 2 long walks a day. My Mum still walks him twice a day but probably 15 - 20 minutes each day.

The dogs barking and jumping up at visitors has really 'stepped up' a gear in the last few weeks. My parent's are at their wits end as to what to do. They love him very much but the situation is becoming stressful for them and quite frankly to see them upset causes me distress. Max (the dog) runs out of the room and barks at anything and everything. Visitors come round and he knocks them flying and will not leave then alone once they are seated. His behaviour especially his barking is persistent, day in day out.

I'm sure he must be bored and wondering what on earth is going on. Life is tough for us all at the moment but any advice that will stop Max's persistent behaviour especially his barking will be greatly received.

Many thanks
Tracy

[mick11]

Hi Tracy and welcome to the forum.

Sorry to hear of your family circumstances.

There are some excellent articles written by Nick,a dog behaviour expert, which you will find at the top of the home page with their own threads under "Expert Articles"

If you also use the main search facility at the top of the pages there are some threads on the subjects.

You could also try and find someone local to help you with exercising the dog

HTH
Mick

[Tracy1970]

Hi Mick

Thank you for your reply.

I shall have a good look at the expert articles later on today.

Best wishes
Tracy

[nick_j007]

Thank you Mick for your vote of confidence

Tracy. I find it can be very helpful to create a secure fixing point to enable a lead to be placed there permanently if needs be and to place the dog here at times you have visitors and so on.

If the location is right, a banister can be helpful, or go to a DIY store and get a strong metal plate screwed to the wall or skirting board. This will need to be strong enough to hold the dog of course.

This way the dog can be placed back and away prior to allowing the guest in and they ignore his excitable efforts. Some dogs can be distracted with a stuffed Kong as (expected) guests enter the home. Once he is calm enough, I suggest you walk him into the room for a controlled greeting...maybe use a head collar if he is stronger than you?

This is all on the basis that I cannot see things for myself and offer more personal advice based on the layout, dog and owner etc, but should point you in the right direction.

He MUST be sitting for affection, and this rules goes at all times for my own dog/s. I would personally offer a swift and curt lead correction for jumping up (as you say OFF!) as it can resolve it in seconds for ever - especially if your response is well timed and assertive enough. Once he does as you ask, you can calmly stroke and reward the behaviour you do want

HTH,

Nick

[MMDogTraining101]

Nick has hit the nail on the head, but I don't encourage you to have to tie your dog up.

Next time guest are to arrive have your dog lie down at the doorway.

This may be difficult to master so a quick tip is for you to first take control of the doorway by standing in front of it. THen have your dog lie down, as you taking control of the doorway will make it easier for your dog to give in and lie down.

Once your dog is lying down and being submissive, you want to let your guests in, for the first few times he may lunge at them again but you need to be consistent, taking ownership of your guests and having your dog lie down again will help with this new problem.

Consistent practice of this and your dog will eventually learn that there is no need to be barking or jumping up on guests.

Also you might want to start practicing not allowing your dog to jump up on you first, as it's only creating confusion if you allow your dog to jump on you but not other people.