Maybe my story wasn't so clear, but Josie wasn't acting in what I thought was a protective manner when she KNEW it was a cat...she just heard the noise, and when she saw the cat run out, she let up. She has no aggression towards cats.
When her hackles were raised, her tail was up higher than usual, chest puffed out, and ears erect.
Thank you guys for sharing all your stories...I've made her quiet down instead of barking these last couple of days. We'll see how it goes.
Delta has twice recently barked at unfamilar people at the door. Both time times I praised her for it. I would follow that up with a "hush" if need be, but she stopped when I went to open the door anyway. (bonus: I hadn't heard the second visitor knock, I only saw them when I went to see what Delta was barking at!)
She also barked not long ago when Glas came up to the door... and then as soon as she recognized him, fetched a shoe to greet him with instead.
IMO, I really like how she is - friendly out on leash, easy to convince to stand down, but doesn't let strangers in the door. I wish I could take credit but she really came that way, all I do is encourage it.
My rule of thumb - if it is sensible, I'm ok with it. If not, we work on it.
yesterday I had some boarders coming over to look at the boarding area, meet hubby and myself and the dogs. Flirt's friendly with people in the house and in my little courtyard. However, I let her out as they were walking up my driveway and she went on alert. She did bark, etc. but she did not charge them or anything. To me, that's sensible (even tho I was embarassed ). I let her out after they were in the courtyard and she ran and said hello.
She barks and stands at the door when someone knocks, but when I say quiet, she's quiet and lets people in.
I expect them to alert but I also expect them to settle down when I say that's enough/quiet, etc.
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