Door Bell Update

So it looks like Basil has the ringing of the doorbell to sitting to treat thing down now. "Stay" still needs work but at least they aren't in a frenzy anymore. He doesn't even bark when he hears the doorbell ring when we do our training. He remains rather unfazed.

Now, it's time for the true test...a REAL life situation. Mommy not at the door. Boys are lounging. Someone comes to the door and rings the bell.

(((((DING DONG)))))

And the frenzy begins.

*BARK BARK BARK* * BARK BARK BARK* *BARK BARK BARK* *BARK BARK BARK*

GROWLLLLLLLLLLL

*BARK BARK BARK* * BARK BARK BARK* *BARK BARK BARK* *BARK BARK BARK*

*BARK BARK BARK* * BARK BARK BARK* *BARK BARK BARK* *BARK BARK BARK*

GROWLLLLLLLLLLL

Guinness is excited that someone is here. Jumping around. Bouncing off the walls.

*BARK BARK BARK* * BARK BARK BARK* *BARK BARK BARK* *BARK BARK BARK*

Both are scratching at the door.

Mommy throws her hands in the air!

Be calm. Mommy breathes. Basil "Go to your spot". Use the body block to make him back up into "his spot". Keep doing it and don't get stressed out. Keep doing it until he calms down and goes to his spot. Then approach the door, but keep the boys in their spot at "Stay"...even if they approach the door, don't let them approach it before you do or do it over again.

After 3 tries, the barks became less and less and I was able to check them into their spot much quicker. I see hope. On a positive note, it tired them out and they fell asleep immediately.

*In addition, we put a sign on our front door asking people to please be patient while we answer the door because we're training our dogs. This takes the pressure off a little to answer the door quickly and gives us the time to train the boys.*