Vet Q & AHow do I stop my dog from barking, biting, and running out the door?
It sounds like Fluffy is reactive and uncomfortable around people he doesn't know - this is a very common problem. I would recommend asking visitors to call ahead before arriving, so that you can put Fluffy in a separate room or a crate before they arrive. Once they are in and settled, you can bring Fluffy out on a leash and practice rewarding him with tasty treats for being calm.
The front door needs to be better managed so that Fluffy cannot run out after people who are walking outside. If household members are not able to remember to close the door reliably, get a baby gate or other barrier to use as a back-up so that there's no way he can run out. Separately, to work on this problem, you can practice standing just inside the door with Fluffy on a leash, and feeding him treats every time someone walks by. Over time, he will learn to look at you for his treat when he sees a person, rather than wanting to chase them and bark.
It can be difficult to do this on your own, do I would recommend getting in touch with a veterinary behaviorist or a good reward-based trainer who can help you in person. You can ask your vet to refer you to a qualified professional in your area.
Updated on September 24th, 2025