My boy is only about a year and a half old, a good little guy; full of energy and always wagging his tail.
We hardly get visitors to the house, but if my boy smells someone he doesnt know when they step on my property, he starts barking, but as soon as they come INSIDE the house, he’s all happy and calm and playful.
Like, today, a package came for me, and when the delivery dude stepped on my driveway my boy started barking.
Now, my question is; do I reward this behaviour ? He’s essentially protecting the property so it’s only logical that I give him a treat when he starts barking when someone is on my property.
Just wanna hear what other, more experienced dog owners, have to say regarding this situation.
Barking at strangers approaching your property is normal and reasonable behavior for your dog.
With that said, I would not recommend rewarding your dog with a treat (for barking appropriately), because he may start barking inappropriately in the hope of getting more treats.
It’s just that, sometimes my dad raises his voice at him and doesnt like it when he barks for a small reason (like a another dog passing our house, or if he smells my cat waiting outside to be let in)
I just dont want him to lose that protective personality (I mean he wont right ? He’s a dawg ) just because my dad sometimes gets fed up with him.