[audiogod]

I have 2 dachshunds and when ever they meet someone new they freak out. I mean after like 2 days they are pretty cool with people but for those first couple of days they are mean. I mean they will bark a LOT and then if the person tries to come near them one will snap at them or lunge. She won't ACTUALLY bite but that may also be as we haven't given her that chance. She is 6 years old. She is responding well to my training thus far (I forgot to mention I just got her about 2 weeks ago) She was like this with her previous owners and she was like this when I met her but I want to fix it. Any ideas? If anyone has any ideas or need more information please let me know.

[starbuck8]

Hi,
Now this is just something I have learned from watching the "dog whisperer", and it works for me. Have you ever watched the show? He deals with this a lot.

When you know someone new is coming, tell your friends to be calm and "no touch, no talk, no eye contact" with your dogs. Also tell your guests that it may take a minute or so for you to get to the door. Then when there is a knock, don't get irritated or angry with them, just stay calm. Put on their leashes and make them sit away from the door until they have calmed down. Then you have to claim the door. (stand in front of the door and put your arms up in a blocking position) Give your sit, down, stay command if they know that, and THEN let the people in, literally ignoring the dogs until they come to them.

It does take awhile to get the dogs to get it... but it seems to work if they realize that you "own the space"... which includes your door and your company etc.

I still have probs with my dog, and still need a ton of more training myself, but it seems to get a lot easier the more you do it

Hope that helps a bit :)