My Dog Won't Stop Barking at Other Dogs
Dogs always bark for a reason, whether it's fear, frustration, boredom, anger or just a way to protect their territory. When your dog won't stop barking at other dogs, taking a walk around the block becomes a stress-filled chore instead of an enjoyable stroll. Learning why your dog barks, and how to control the noise and ease your pet's anxiety, becomes necessary for your own peace of mind, as well as that of your canine companion.
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Things You'll Need
- Leash
- Treats and/or favorite toy
- Water-filled spray bottle
- Friend with calm, quiet dog
Instructions
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Move directly in front of your dog when she notices another dog on your walk, focusing her attention on you by talking to her or giving her a treat or her favorite toy. Show that you are unconcerned and relaxed by keeping the leash slack and your voice calm.
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Snap the leash sharply a couple of times and use your water-filled spray bottle if she begins barking. Verbally correct her at the same time, saying "Quiet!" in a strong voice, and make her sit, petting her to relax her.
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Continue to correct your dog immediately if she barks or ignores you by squirting her with the water and verbally correcting her.
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Force your pet to begin walking, heeling and sitting, keeping her focus on you, if the barking continues.
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Speak happily to your dog and allow her to sniff another dog if you meet up with them out walking on the leash. Stand out of the way, keep the leash slack and remain calm to avoid starting a fight, recommends Jeanne Carlson in her book, "Good Dogs, Bad Habits." Try enlisting a friend with a calm dog to walk, first at a distance, and then closer, as your pet becomes more accustomed to staying calm and quiet.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice indoors at first and then outside where your dog is likely to encounter other dogs. Training her inside your home where she feels safe allows her to focus all of her attention on you, so that when you do move to outside training, she has learned to follow and listen to your signals.
If your dog has shown no signs of dog-aggression other than barking, and is off the leash when she meets another dog, stand back and let them sniff and greet each other. Showing no fear or concern shows your pet that other dogs can be fun and will help calm her.
Keeping your dog on a leash and/or muzzling her may be necessary if she shows signs of aggression towards other dogs. Growling, baring her teeth, lunging and snapping at other animals means that your pet cannot be trusted to not harm other dogs, and great care should be taken to ensure fights don't occur.
Dogs can become aggressive over a specific trigger, such as a favorite toy or food. You may need to consult with a veterinary behaviorist to learn which items cause your dog's aggressive behavior and how to handle the situation, says the Dog Problems Solution website.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Yawning Dog image by KateC from Fotolia.com
