It’s a tale as old as time: the dog hears footsteps, sees someone coming up the driveway, and off they go barking and charging full speed ahead. Whether it’s the mail carrier, a delivery driver, or the neighbour’s kid selling cookies, your dog thinks it’s their sworn duty to sound the alarm (and possibly scare the pants off your visitor).
Let’s break down why this happens and how you can train your dog to stay calm and controlled when someone comes to your door.
Why Dogs Bark and Run at Strangers
This behaviour is often rooted in instinct. Dogs are territorial animals, and many feel it’s their job to alert you (and the whole neighbourhood) of intruders, even if the “intruder” is just Steve from Canada Post bringing your online shopping.
Some common reasons include:
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Territorial behaviour: “This is my property! Who dares step foot here?”
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Fear or anxiety: A sudden approach can startle or overwhelm some dogs.
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Excitement: “Someone’s here! Maybe they’ll pet me!”
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Lack of boundaries or impulse control: They’ve never been taught how to behave when someone arrives.
But here’s the kicker. It only takes a few repetitions of this bad behaviour to become deeply ingrained.
Let’s say your dog sees the mail carrier, runs and barks, and the mail carrier leaves. From your dog’s point of view, that worked. They barked, they charged, and the “threat” disappeared. Mission accomplished.
Of course, delivery people and mail carriers aren’t going to hang around for a chat. They drop off and go. But that brief interaction is incredibly self-rewarding for a dog. Even worse, if the visitor is visibly startled or backs away, your dog gets even more satisfaction from “scaring off the intruder.”
This is why stopping the cycle early is so important. The more your dog rehearses the behaviour, the more convinced they are that it works.
Real Talk: Karma’s Delivery Dilemma
We’re actually dealing with this exact issue right now with our dog Karma.
Her recall is solid in just about every situation unless a delivery truck pulls into the driveway. It started when she ran toward an Amazon delivery driver who screamed and bolted back into their vehicle. From Karma’s perspective, she won. She barked, and the intruder fled. Since then, she’s decided delivery trucks are her mortal enemies, and now she runs toward them with zero interest in listening to recall.
Meanwhile, Cooper, who’s been through the same training, does exactly what he’s supposed to. As soon as a vehicle enters the driveway, he drops into a down and waits for permission to move. Same household, same training foundations completely different outcomes.
This has been a humbling reminder that one single intense interaction can undo months of training, especially for a high-drive dog who finds the whole situation exciting and rewarding.
We’re back to basics now with Karma, working on reconditioning her response and rebuilding that impulse control around vehicles and strangers.
How to Curb the Chaos
1. Management First: Set Up for Success
Before you dive into training, manage the situation to prevent your dog from rehearsing the unwanted behaviour:
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Use baby gates, fences, or long lines to stop your dog from running to the front of the property.
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Block access to windows or the front door if barking starts indoors.
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Use privacy film or barriers to reduce visual triggers like people walking by.
2. Teach a Reliable Recall and Interrupt Cue
A strong “come” or “this way” can prevent the full-speed dash from happening but only if your dog is engaged with you before they fixate on the trigger.
One of the best ways to build and maintain that attention is by playing the Engagement Game.
How to Play the Engagement Game
This is super simple and can be done anywhere even for just a few minutes a day.
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Start with your dog on a leash or long line.
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Stand still and wait quietly.
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The moment your dog looks at you (even briefly), mark it (say “yes!” or click) and toss a treat.
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Turn or move away. When they turn to look at you again, mark and reward.
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Over time, they learn that choosing to check in with you pays off.
This game helps your dog build the habit of checking in, even when they’re distracted. It’s a great foundation for recall, impulse control, and redirection, especially if your dog struggles to disengage from exciting or stressful situations like a delivery person approaching.
3. Train an Alternative Behaviour
Instead of barking and charging, teach your dog what you’d rather they do.
Try:
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Go to place: A bed, mat, or porch spot where they wait calmly.
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Sit and stay: At a distance from the trigger.
How to train it:
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Start with a friend or familiar person approaching.
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Reward calm behaviour before barking starts.
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Use high-value rewards and practice regularly.
4. Desensitize and Counter-Condition
Gradually expose your dog to the triggers, like the mail carrier or delivery driver, at a distance where they can stay calm. Pair the sight of the person with something positive like treats or a favourite toy.
Repeat frequently:
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Delivery truck = treat party
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Mail carrier walking by = ball toss time
Over time, your dog will learn that calm behaviour when strangers appear brings good things.
5. Let Visitors Know What to Expect
If you have regular deliveries or visitors:
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Put up a friendly sign at the gate or step, like:
“Dog in training please give us a moment to settle before approaching.”
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Let neighbours know you’re working on training and ask if they’re open to helping with a few practice setups.
What Not to Do
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Don’t yell at your dog. They might think you’re barking along with them.
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Don’t rely on punishment. It can increase anxiety and escalate the behaviour.
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Don’t leave your dog alone in the yard if this is a common issue.
When to Seek Help
If your dog’s reaction includes growling, lunging, or seems rooted in fear or aggression, reach out to a certified trainer or behaviour professional. These behaviours can be improved safely and effectively with professional guidance.
With consistency, clear communication, and some creative training setups, your dog can learn to stay calm around visitors.
We’re still working through it with Karma, but we’ve seen what’s possible with dogs like Cooper. The key is preventing rehearsal, breaking the reward cycle, and showing them there’s a better way to respond. Setbacks happen but with patience and the right tools, progress is always possible.