People talk.
Birds chirp.
Dogs bark.
It is within reason that dogs should bark.
But when a dog's bark is as consistent as its breathing that is a major problem.
A hyperactive dog barks at anything and everything, including when a doorbell rings.
This is a major concern unless you are a recluse and do not have any friends or are unfriendly with the neighbours.
It is very embarrassing to have a visitor ringing your doorbell and your dog heave himself against the door, barking nosily and repeatedly.
Only a few people would stick around and put up with the din your dog is making.
It would be very hard to muster a conversation with your dog disturbance.
This is apart from the dog jumping on your visitor and scaring the living daylights out of them.
This type of scenario can be annoying and irritating.
It is not easy to halt this type of behaviour.
But it can be done and requires a process known as desensitization.
The desensitization process involves several stages.
And for this to work, your dog should understand simple dog obedience training of Sit and heel.
If you dog is familiar with these commands then you can proceed with the following steps.
Step 1 When your dog understands when to Sit and Heel, this means you can teach your dog to sit away from the door.
If he does this, reward him with a dog biscuit for his effort and remaining in a sit position.
Dogs are smart creatures.
He knows that anytime he does your bidding ,he gets a treat.
Move over to the 2nd stage only when your dog obeys you all the time.
Step 2 This involves teaching your dog to sit directly in front of the door while you open it.
If your dog refuses to sit when you open the door, correct with a NO command and command him again to Sit.
Do this with him on a leash so that you can lead him back to the spot where he should be.
Step 3 This now involves a person at your door.
Tell your dog to sit.
Allow your visitor enter only if your dog maintains a sitting position.
If your dog gets up, reprimand with a NO.
And command again to sit.
Note that you visitor does not enter the house until your dog gets it right.
Naturally, you practice with someone who is in on your dog obedience training.
A real visitor will wonder if you missed your appointment with the doctor.
Step 4 When you are successful with step 3, finally add the doorbell to the equation.
This is the final piece of the puzzle and also the most challenging.
When your dog hears the doorbell ring and reacts, reprimand with a NO and tell him to Sit or Heel when he does this correctly reward him.
Let him know when he does it wrong and when he does it right.