How to Stop a Dog From Barking at Strangers

Dogs communicate through body language and barking. Your dog will bark for various reasons, if he wants to go outside, if he thinks you’re playing with him and, unfortunately, if he is wary of strangers. A dog that barks at strangers does so out of fear, and a fearful dog is more likely to bite. When your dog barks at strangers, it’s imperative that you take steps immediately to correct the situation.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leash
• Bark collar (optional)

1. Practice good dog safety above all else. Resist forcing a dog into close proximity with a stranger because the dog may bite. Until you’ve established strict behavioral patterns with a dog that barks, make sure he isn’t around people he does not know. This is especially true when small children are around. A fearful dog may bite a small child that approaches it.

2. Use a distraction method of training your dog to ignore strangers instead of barking. Take your dog on long walks on a leash where other people are likely to be. When a stranger appears, hold your dog to one side and ask him to sit. Attract your dog’s attention with a treat or a command so she looks at you and not at the stranger.

3. Keep your dog a safe distance away from passers-by and move closer as he becomes more comfortable with their presence. At first, you may have to stay 50 yards away from the sidewalk, but as your dog adapts to that distance, move him a little closer.

4. Stay calm. Your dog may sense your anxiety as a stranger approaches and if so, he will become agitated and bark more. Focus on something happy to keep from sending the wrong signal to your dog.

5. Correct a barking dog immediately. Issue a sharp “No” command and move between your dog and the stranger, blocking your dog’s view. If he stops barking, praise him and give him a treat. If he continues to bark, walk away from the stranger, dog in tow.

6. Train at home to make your dog pay attention to you. Hold a treat in front of your face and tell your dog, “Watch me.” Give him the treat when he looks at you and praise him. Soon, he will learn that the “Watch me” command means he must turn his attention toward your face.

7. Consider using a bark collar on a limited basis. These collars emit either an electrical shock or a high pitched noise that deters a barking dog. However, dogs may develop other undesirable behaviors when they are subjected to physical or audible pain.

Tips & Warnings

• Sign your dog up for obedience lessons unless he is aggressive around other dogs. In that case, ask the instructor if you may bring him with a muzzle on. As your dog learns commands, he will respond when you ask him to stop barking at strangers.
• Never allow a barking dog to approach strangers. Wait until his barking is under control, and then proceed with caution.