Help with barky dog?

[AlexissFreeenncch]

Hi all, dog is a lockdown pup literally arrived two days before lockdown was announced. We did well on a lot of things they tell you to do - fireworks on YouTube, out on long line to play with neighbours kids, went to doggy daycare from 6 months so he’s doing really well overall.

The one thing we didn’t realise is that it was just DH and I in the house and we are both very mellow. Talk in normal voices, never shout or argue, both full time WFH so a lot of silence during the day. I’ve noticed dog struggles with loud noises now - so say if we have visitors and they say something and we say ‘you’re not SERIOUS’ or ‘Oh my god I can’t believe that’ or anything more animated dog goes mad barking and wants out to the garden where he races up and down. He seems to think raised voices mean something is wrong.

Any ideas how to calm him down or deal with this? It makes visits very disruptive for guests as we’ve to deal with the dog going crazy.

In a quiet area where nothing else is happening say these phases and reward your dog. Have him on a lead if he usually charges around.

I would say the phases a bit quieter to start with and then build up the volume to your usual volume over time.

I had a resuce collie that would go bonkers when everyone said hello, how are you etc or greeted each other. I spent a whole week on my own on dogs walks just randomly saying hello and treating him. Then took the hellos to the house and eventually took the hellos to the front door. He know hears the word and just sits beside me waiting for a treat.