How to stop your dog barking at other dogs when out on a walk
If your dog barks at every dog you pass on a walk, you’re not alone. It is one of the most common behaviour struggles for owners. What should be a relaxing outing can quickly turn stressful when your pooch barks loudly, creating a scene. The good news is that there are straightforward techniques that can help your dog stay calm and focused around other pets.
Leading UK pet food brand Pedigree shared: “You don’t want walks to become a nightmare because your furry friend launches into frenzied barking every time they catch sight of another dog. We’ll show you how to stop your dog barking at other dogs, how one of the key things is understanding exactly why they’re being so vocal and what to do about other ‘problem’ barking.”
1. Distraction
The dog experts suggest that one of the best courses of action when your dog begins to bark is to swiftly distract them. They shared: “It’s a good idea to have some tricks up your sleeve to distract your four-legged friend before they start barking at another dog.
“You could take this literally and teach your dog some tricks. Alternatively, you could distract them by giving them their favourite toy or playing a game with them.” If your dog’s barking is easily fixed by being distracted, it may be a sign that your dog is bored.
The expert admits some dogs naturally become noisy when under-stimulated. “If you suspect this is the case, increasing both their physical and mental stimulation can help. For physical activity, regular walks are essential, but engaging, active games are just as important.
“Mental stimulation can be provided through training sessions, interactive play, or puzzle feeders that challenge their minds. Keeping your dog both physically and mentally occupied can significantly reduce unwanted noise.”
2. Keep on walking
If your dog often barks at other dogs during walks, it may help to keep them on a lead and keep walking, ensuring encounters with other dogs are brief and controlled, says specialists at Pedigree.
Dogs do not always bark out of fear or as a means of protection; sometimes it is due to a want for attention and a lack of training. This type of barking is called “demand barking”.
According to Orlando Dog Training, “this very persistent, high-pitched bark is often directed towards the owner/members of the household and/or other dogs. It is exactly what it sounds like.
“Your dog is trying to get or ‘demand’ your attention, food, play, walk, outside, etc. When it’s directed at another dog, it looks very similar. One dog is barking incessantly at the other dog, who is often ignoring their attempt to interact.”
Experts at Paw by Paw training also agree that owners should simply walk their furry friend away, but do not scold them, as it is important to increase the distance between your dog and “the object of interest” while simultaneously not rewarding bad behaviour by giving them attention.
“It’s really important to note that with dogs who want attention from people, any attention is a good thing. This means that even if you look at your dog, you’ve given them what they want.
“It also means that telling them off for demand barking won’t work as they want attention in any form, even if we’ve given them ‘bad’ attention. Your dog won’t care because they’ve got what they wanted,” shared a spokesperson from Paw by Paw training.
3. Treats
The dog specialist at Pedigree also advised: “Treats can be used to discourage barking, but timing is crucial. Never dish them out after your dog has already barked at another dog, as this could reinforce the behaviour.”
The goal is to reward your dog when they remain calm and quiet in the presence of another dog, thereby reinforcing a relaxed response in the future.
It is important to remember that barking is how dogs communicate, so we do not want them to stop entirely. The goal is to teach your dog when it is appropriate and what behaviour is considered good canine “petiquette”.
