Post covid behaviour

[ablisha]

Is anyone else having issues with their dog since lockdowns have ended?

My 6 year old cocker spaniel is struggling. He is reactive at the door and people coming into the house, to the point that I don't want people over and will now have a pop at other dogs if we're out.

These weren't issues before but they are really stressing me.

Have you taken him for a vet check to rule out a medical cause of this behaviour change?

Hi @Happenchance yes I have and they thought it was probably linked to covid. They said that it's been common.
He has 6 monthly health checks and has one this coming Tuesday so I am going to bring it up again.

Our dog was adolescent when lockdown started and we've also had this behaviour.

What worked for us:
Pop her on a lead when someone visits and go outside to greet them, before inviting them in. We started off greeting them on the pavement outside and progressed to meeting them in the porch.

Using clicker training, spend weeks just clicking for DD giving eye contact and then treat. Once you have done the training you can reward peaceful greets of people and polite ignoring of other dogs.
www.wob.com/en-gb/books/jane-killion/when-pigs-fly/9781929242443?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIodCU18PD9gIVQtPtCh3onA06EAQYBCABEgKHpPD_BwE

Thank you so much @PestorPeston