Koda + new people in the house

[koda's Mom]

Hello everyone you have been great help to me and my new little doggy. after having Koda ( 1.3 years old rescue Bichon) for 3 weeks we decided this weekend to have my parents over for dinner. Well !! Koda took one look at them in the house and would not stop barking. I was trying not to pick him up and hold him as I had read on one of the other posts that this is like rewarding him for his behavior. I gave my Dad a treat to see if mabye he would come and take it from him to calm down but with no luck. We sat at the kitchen table just to have tea and he seemed to calm down. But... when either of my parents went to try and pat him under the table he would try and nip their hands and dance around under the table. I think that he was nervous. When my parents got up again he began the constant barking again. Finally I had to put him the bathroom just so that we could have a conversation. To say the least I was very troubled by this. I constantly have people over in the summer and I would hate to have a house where people are unconfortable coming into with the dog ! Any suggestions !- thanks

[glasslass]

It could be your parents remind him of previous unpleasant experiences. Do you have any knowledge of his history?

[Lucky Rescue]

I"m wondering if he was not socialized when still a puppy. I had a dog like that - fear aggressive - and here is what I did.

Instead of your parents or other guests trying to pet him, ask people to completely ignore him and not even look at him. Do not let anyone approach him.

Instead give them treats - it must be something REALLY good, like cut up hotdogs.

Have them toss a piece in his direction every now and then still without looking at him.

Also, you can be teaching him "Enough". He barks, you clap your hands and say ENOUGH. He will probably stop for a second and look at you - reward when he does.

[koda's Mom]

I have little info on his history. I know that he was owned by a family with 2 chidren. It seems that men seem a bigger problem for him as he is still nervous around my husband but is getting better each day. It is hard to say if he was socialized as a puppy and I know that each day with us is a big step for him. I will try the suggetions above - thanks