How to stop your dog from barking at other dogs during walks

Walking our dogs benefits both them and us. Everyone gets exercise, and dogs stay less bored with their energy released. It’s a win-win situation!

However, meeting other people walking their dog can be tricky if your dog barks at others.

ALSO READ: Top 10 best dogs to share bedtime with

It can rile up other dogs and be a bit embarrassing. So, how do you handle it when your dog barks at another dog while walking?

WHY DO DOGS BARK AT OTHER DOGS?

First, let’s understand why your dog barks at others. It’s called reactivity or leash aggression, where they have intense reactions and emotions.

Reactivity usually occurs for two reasons: fear because they haven’t interacted much with other dogs, or frustration because they can’t interact with a new dog they want to meet.

Fortunately, you can address this barking issue during the walk to help your pup stop barking at other dogs.

ALSO READ: What to do to reunite with your lost pet quickly

HOW TO STOP THIS BEHAVIOUR

1. MAKE IT INTERESTING

Make your daily walks more interesting for your pet to keep them mentally stimulated and less likely to bark at others.

Add challenges like sudden direction changes, varying your speed, walking around obstacles, running in circles, or zig-zagging.

Anything that makes the walk more exciting will keep your pet’s attention on you and help them tire out happily.

Enjoy the adventure together!

ALSO READ: How to stop your dog from chewing your shoes

2. DISTRACT YOUR DOG

To stop your dog from barking, use treats as a distraction during walks. Know the distance where barking starts and act beforehand.

Call your dog’s name and reward them with treats if they look at you.

Keep their attention on you and walk away before other dogs get closer.

You can also use their favorite toy as a distraction. Happy training!

ALSO READ: How to prepare your pet for your newborn baby

3. GO ON DOGGY GATES

If your dog barks because they’re scared due to limited dog interactions, you can help by socializing them.

Have a friend with a dog come over, but keep the dogs at a distance initially.

If your dog barks, call their name and ask them to stop. When they do, reward them with a treat.

Gradually decrease the distance between the dogs as your pet learns not to bark. Positive reinforcement works wonders!