How to Stop a Dog From Barking at Other Dogs

Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, some which are what you want but most often it is just a nuisance. Many dogs have different barks depending on what they are barking at. When your dog has trouble with excessive barking at other dogs, use these steps to stop the barking from happening.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Accept that you cannot stop your dog from barking completely and that some barking is good as a warning to you when unwanted guests are around. Determine how much barking is okay and what types you're going to allow.

2. Identify the type of barking your dog does when other dogs are around. The bark could be based on fear, excitement, aggression, self-identification or alert/warning. Once you know the cause you can better treat the symptoms.

3. Get your dog acquainted with as many other dogs as you can so that he will be less likely to bark, or at least to bark continually at those dogs. This is especially important for dogs your dog will see frequently, such as your friend or family member's dog or neighborhood dogs.

4. Stop the barking as soon as it begins by firmly saying "no bark" or whatever words you choose. Be firm without yelling and continue to say it until the barking stops. Be consistent and reprimand your dog every time she barks at other dogs, and reward her when she doesn't with a pet, treat or by saying "good dog."

5. Practice with your dog by putting him in situations where dogs are around so not only will he be more used to them, but you can get him used to stopping the barking on command. Remain relaxed yourself when other dogs approach so that you do not inadvertently make your dog tense.

Tips & Warnings

• Alert barks are usually rapid, while aggressive barks have a lower tone and may be accompanied with a growl. Fearful barks can also be rapid but watch for head down or other behavioral cues to tell this from an alert bark. Excited or playful barks often are short and self-identification is usually in response to another dog's barking.
• Do not accidentally reward the barking behavior by talking nicely to your dog to get her to stop. This only encourages the behavior.

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[jewelzdevone]

on 10/20/2008 My puppy rarely makes a sound until she sees a toddler, then she goes balistic. I don't have much access to children and I certainly don't want to scare a child to train my puppy. Is there anything you could recommend?