BAD Behavior scared the heck out of me

[sweetlee]

As you all know I have been working with Dodge on not barking and growling at people walking by or up to the house.
He really has been doing better. We sat out and met the mailman a couple of days, and he is fine if I am out with him. Yesterday the cable guys came and he stopped when I told him to, and he was fine with them coming in and out of the house.
But this morning some guy selling something knocked on the door and when I opened the door the dog went nuts and tried to squeeze past me growling and barking.
I had what I would call a CTJ meeting with the dog. I yelled pretty good at him to get to his room. He has been treading lightly around me today.
Then I took a look at our relationship. I have slipped. If I am honest, I have slacked off on the NILIF principle. I have been throwing the ball for Dodge at his whim, I have been cuddling and coddling him. I still make him sit and wait at the door when we go in and out, or when we eat but other than that, I have been kind of "soft" with him.
Our training class has been set back a few weeks due to the blizzard May 2nd.
So today, I started over. Dodge brought me the ball and kept dropping it on the couch, I made him leave it and go away. When I walked him, I kept him on a tight leash and made him formally heel, made him sit when I stop, made him down a few times.
I really feel that my slacking off has made him think he is going to challenge me for rank around here. Does this sound right to you all? Dodge is a little over two now.
I have vowed to work him a bit harder and to be very firm but fair with him.
He does get enough excersise and he is a great dog out on walks, never barks at anyone or any other dogs. I am pretty sure this is territorial, and he is going to learn this is MY territory and I decide who is welcome and who is not. The way I have gotten him away from barking at the window is usually with a "leave it, let's go get a treat".
I will be glad when classes start back up.
Until then, do I have the right attitude?
Other than that this is the dog whom the people at the local pet stores adore, the vet adores, everyone who meets him loves him. The cable guys yesterday said how well behaved he was.
I don't want to make excuses for what he did today, and I won't, it just scared me pretty bad. I honestly do not think Dodge would bite anyone, but I think I am right to be concerned about his trying to push by me while barking and growling at this poor guy.

[hokisteph5]

I think your attitude sounds right. Mine are 3 and 2 now. They still, every so often, see if the rules are in place.

[tla0126]

I think dogs are like kids.... Always testing. I wouldn't worry about it, just remind him who's in charge like you are doing and I'm sure things will even out!

[debbiej]

I would suggest that Dodge be given a command before the door is opened. and if it is a sit or down command, you should be able to enforce the command by having him on lead. Or send him to a "place" or to his room. because I keep my old male shar pei and Boris separated at all times, my dogs never get to come to the door with me. (the old dog stays our in our front yard, usually asleep on the front porch.) But I do give the command 'go to bed', before opening the door. Sometimes people may have to wait a minute before you answer the door, but you can put a lead on him and give a sit/stay command. that way he will learn what you expect about door manners.

[blisscodisco]

Both my dogs are pretty good reps for the rottweiler breed. They are friendly social, go to nursing homes and sporting events. My boy has always been a grumbler/purrer and I have learned to just warn people and if they are nervous have them pet my quiet female instead. The one area they are both very naughty on (and I know this is my fault for not ever working very hard at it) is barking like crazy idiots at the mailman/ups guys. Someone told me part of the problem is they are reinforced because the mailman always "runs" away, ie their crazy barking "worked". If I am there they do know enough, quiet etc, but sometimes I have to say it pretty loud
Keep up the positive reinforcements and I actually have "what is it?" command that means you may bark like mad until I tell you enough. We play this game with tasty treats and now I can get them to run to the door and bark and then turn and look at me. I know that seems weird to "teach" the undesirable behavior but if I can control it that is much better. At least you can turn the barking off at your command (even if it has to be a loud command).
Something else to keep in mind is a dogs memory legnth on why you are punishing them is not very long. This is something I have to remind myself of constantly as I would like to stay upset all day. But it really does not good. After the initial "time out" etc it is better to just do something positive and wait for the next training opportunity. Good luck and thanks again for giving Dodge a great loving home.
bliss

[blisscodisco]

PS I forgot to ad, there are some strangers that my dogs just don't like. Not sure what it is and I am not trying to make an excuse for Dodge as you are the one making the decisions not him...But I have noticed that some people just seem to trigger a odd response...