A dog trainer has warned owners about a common error to avoid when their dog starts barking. While it’s normal for dogs to bark when someone is at the door, there’s a simple method that can help manage and reduce this behaviour.

Adam Spivey, Director and Head Trainer at Southend Dog Training, says many owners react with frustration or anger, often ending up shouting at their dogs to stop. However, this common reaction could unknowingly be reinforcing the bad habit. He explains: "All the dog sees is 'I'm frantic, you're frantic, I'm barking, you're shouting'. So your energy is matching, and it's making the situation worse."

While it can be stressful when your dog barks, keeping calm is key. Urging dog owners to do one thing, he says to "ring the doorbell throughout the day at random times, and you're going to send your dog to his bed when it goes", and then reward them with treats.

Repeat this until your dog reliably goes to their bed and stops barking. Once they are calm, they can be allowed to leave the bed. The expert, who set up his company in 2012, further explained in his caption: "For dogs exhibiting excessive barking and jumping when the doorbell rings, or someone is at the door, a structured approach is necessary.

"This involves desensitisation and counter-conditioning. You can start by practising with someone knocking lightly and rewarding your dog for staying calm. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of the stimulus, always ensuring your dog remains below their threshold of reactivity."

If you teach your dog an alternative behaviour to the "frantic excitement" such as going to their mat, sitting, or retrieving a toy, then you may notice a big difference. The expert suggests practising these "commands regularly when there's no actual door activity, then gradually introduce them to real-life scenarios."

He says this behaviour can come from excitement, guarding instincts, fear, or learned habits. The aim is to redirect that energy and encourage a calmer, more positive response.

He stresses that consistency is important, saying that when everyone in the home uses the same approach, patience and persistence can help turn a loud dog into a calmer one. He adds that if the behaviour is very difficult or not improving, it’s best to seek help from a professional.