How to Stop Your Dog From Barking at Strangers

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By Juliet Myfanwy Johnson
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Learn to cut down on that anxious barking

You love your dog. He's the greatest, and he's been with you through thick and thin. His only problem is that he's a little timid with strangers. When someone comes to the door, he barks excessively and has trouble stopping. Or if you're out on the trail or on a walk and a stranger gets too close, he runs back to you, fur up, barking with fear (and scaring the stranger too). Is there any hope for modifying this behavior? He isn't mean, but he sounds mean! Here are some ideas for helping your dog channel his fear away and focus on the good.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Dog treats

Step 1

Every time you walk your dog you have a chance to work with him on his fear barking behavior. Figure out what triggers your dog most, and try and put him in that scenario as often as possible on your walks, to desensitize him. Let's say you want him to stop barking when a stranger approaches.
Step 2

When you see a stranger that will pass you coming up the sidewalk toward you, get your treat out and make sure your dog sees it. Let him see the stranger coming and see the treat in your hand at the same time. He'll be so focused on you he may forget to bark.
Step 3

Just as the stranger passes you, give him your treat. You can also ask him to sit as the stranger passes, and focus on you by giving him the treat while he sits. Praise him happily when he does not bark.
Step 4

Repeat Steps 2 and 3 as often as it takes until you notice your dog looking to you when a stranger appoaches instead of barking at the stranger. Always reward with a treat and praise.
Step 5

For barking when strangers come to the door, have your cheese or meat treat ready for your dog. When you see a potential stranger approaching the door, give the dog the treat just as the doorbell rings. Repeat this often. Soon he will associate the doorbell with treat time.
Step 6

To stop him barking as people come in the house, stand at the door with your treat. You can have your dog leashed if he responds better on a leash. When a stranger comes in, give your dog the treat for standing there with you quietly. Eventually work up to having the stranger give the dog a treat. This is the ultimate goal, because after awhile he will associate the stranger with treats, and the excessive barking will stop.