Won't Let Anyone Leave The House

[Erny]

I've already emailed him just waiting for a reply..sorry to confuse you I meant when other family members or vistiors leave we hold the lead and she watches them go out the door. When everyone goes out she is confined to the downstairs area and will follow me if I have a bone, treat, filled kong in my hand while still barking and carrying on into the area i throw the object and she runs in and then I close the door and then takes less than 5 in to settle down once we have gone.

I am inclined to agree with Nekhbet on this - that your dog perceives itself as still controlling you.

Why do you have to have a "bone, treat, filled kong in your hand" for her to go to the downstairs area? And I'd certainly not be inclined to throw any of these yummy rewards to her if she were barking at me. That in itself is an instant reward and reinforcement for her behaviour. Why not take her downstairs before people leave and if she has done so quietly, then leave her with one of those treats?

You might be doing some of the leadership 'tactics' but it sounds to me that your dog is working around those and still perceiving that she does control and dictate your moves. Think about it - is it possible you are doing the 'leadership dance' but to 'her tune'?

My disclaimer being that I don't know you or your dog.

Edited July 22, 2009 by Erny