I was out on a walk with my dogs the other day when we passed a young woman walking her dog as well. The second we came into sight her dog started barking and pulling on the leash trying to reach us, even though we were a good 50 feet away.
Glad for my two obedient dogs, I gave this lady some space by crossing the street and heading a different direction. As I looked back I cringed at what she was doing…
I see MOST people do this with their barking dogs when I am in public. And I did it with my dogs before I had the right information.
…she was crouched down by the dog’s side petting them in a loving way while crooning “Shh, it’s okay…it’s okay.” Now, if you don’t do anything else with your barking dog, at least don’t do that.
This young lady is not a bad dog owner, and her dog is not a bad dog. She loves her dog and WANTS her dog to stop barking. For whatever reason, at the moment…she does not have the correct information.
So what ARE you supposed to do to stop your dog from barking at another dog?
Giving the dog a treat to get their attention back on you is not going to stop the barking. This is called re-direction and it only works as long as the dog is willing to play this game. The next time it sees a dog/person/cat that it REALLY wants to bark at, it will do so regardless of what you have in your hand.
To stop the barking you need to correct the behavior. Give a leash pop, shake a can of pennies, squirt the dog in the face with water, use a prong collar, remote collar or a bonker. Whatever works and stops the behavior so you never see it again…do it!
Walking your dog should be a pleasant experience for BOTH of you. Your dog’s energy is better spent by focusing on you, or playing Chuck-It or fetch. Nothing good will ever come of your dog’s energy focused on barking at another dog.
More Tips
Check out our other posts
How to Stop Barking: Punishment or Positivity?
Are you constantly struggling to manage your furry friend’s barking? If so, you’re not alone! In this email we’re excited to explore the intriguing world of dog training, focusing specifically on positive reinforcement versus correction-based methods for controlling barking. Our goal is to provide you with practical, evidence-based insights that will empower you to make informed decisions about your dog’s training. Join us as we delve into the pros and cons of each approach, ensuring
What are the Signs of an Alpha Dog?
Have you ever watched your pooch interact with other dogs and wondered why they act a certain way? Maybe they’re the first to fetch the ball, or perhaps they’re leading the way on your daily walks. It’s not just personality; these are the subtle signals of an alpha dog asserting their role in the pack. Let’s dive in, learn about these behaviors, and find out how we can live in harmony with our confident, assertive,
MANAGING HALLOWEEN STRESS IN DOGS
With Halloween just around the corner, I thought it might be a good time to chat about something many of us don’t consider: how our four-legged friends handle the spookiest night of the year. You’d be surprised, but the hustle and bustle of Halloween can be quite overwhelming for our dogs. I’m sure we both can recall times when unexpected noises or changes in routine have left our pups a bit rattled. Now imagine them
WHEN THINGS GO WRONG: HANDLING UNEXPECTED OFF-LEASH CHALLENGES
Molly’s dog had a bad experience when he was rushed and bitten by another off-leash dog. Molly felt frustrated that she didn’t know how to handle the situation. With the tips we gave Molly she now feels confident she can protect her dog in any situation. Guess What Happened on My Morning Walk?! 😲🐾 You won’t believe the wild story I have for you today! So, there I was, walking Carbon on our favorite path,