Q&A for How to Stop a Dog Barking at Other Dogs

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  • Question
    Why is my dog so aggressive towards other dogs?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    There can be many explanations but the most common is down to anxiety. For example, some dogs learn that attack is the best form of defense as it makes the other dogs keep their distance. If possible, work with a certified behaviorist who can identify what triggers your dog's behavior.
  • Question
    Why does my dog bark at other dogs?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Dogs frequently bark at others in order to keep them away from their territory. In addition, owners can accidentally train their dog to bark at others by giving the dog attention (i.e. telling them off) when they bark.
  • Question
    How do you calm down a barking dog?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Try to distract them with a favorite squeaky toy. Alternatively, plan ahead and teach the dog to go lie on a mat on command. When actively obeying a command, most dogs stop barking.
  • Question
    How do I get my dog to stop lunging at other dogs?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Think ahead and teach your dog the 'Look' command. When you see another dog approaching, have your dog sit and 'Look' at you until the threat passes. Then give your dog lots of praise and a reward for not lunging.
  • Question
    I rescued a German shepherd and she is very anxious on walks when dogs bark at her from behind a fence. She has a lot of anxiety, and I wonder why.
    Community Answer
    She probably had a bad experience at a prior home or in the shelter. Get her socialized with a calm dog (it helps if the owner is a good friend) who is friendly but not overly social. Use treats and praise and most importantly, stay relaxed. Pet the other dog, and talk to its owner a lot. If she sees you relaxed with the other dog, she'll relax too. Don't stand behind her and try to comfort her if she's skittish (you're nursing her fear). Ignore her and pay attention to the other dog. If she comes over to you and the other dog, give her lots of praise and treats. This will take time, depending on how badly she's been frightened, so try to be patient.
  • Question
    My 11 month old puppy loves to play with other dogs, but when he is on his leash he barks and growls at them. When he is off his leash he doesn't bark at them he just plays with them, why does he do this?
    Community Answer
    He could feel stressed from his leash and as a result may be acting out. Try keeping him on his leash and get him used to it. Make sure that he gets treats and plenty of positive interaction while he is on his leash as well.
  • Question
    My puppy loves people and dogs, always runs to greet them and sometimes jumps up. He has started barking at dogs recently, I think when he's not getting enough attention. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    He's excited and wants to say hello! Ignore his barking. Work on him with a few tricks, and then when you see another dog, try to get him to do a trick to distract him (could be "sit," "down," "shake," or "play dead," the point is to keep him focused on you). He'll probably grow out of this behavior after a year or two, but be patient. You wanted a puppy, remember?
  • Question
    We went to the park today, and my dog pulls so hard on the leash she actually pulled my fiance to the ground! Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening again?
    Evie_Emerald1
    Community Answer
    One thing you could do is have an extendable leash if the issue is just that the dog wants to move around more freely. That way you can give the dog more room to roam while still being in control, and the dog might not push as hard. If the pulling is due to the dog barking, a "choke" collar or a harness would be the best way to go. If you use a "choke" collar, however, go on a test walk with your dog after purchasing it. A choke collar should not actually choke the dog, so if it does, you should switch to a harness instead.
  • Question
    Our puppy was chased when it was 3 months old and now she always barks and trembles at other dogs. Will she get over this?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it will take time and training. The next time she sees a dog, try to calm her down so she is not scared.
  • Question
    I rescued a 3-year-old pointer. He is fine with me alone, but a nightmare outside if he sees another dog. There are many people with dogs in our area. How can I get him to stop barking and lunging?
    Community Answer
    Get a doggy behavioral trainer on board. You WILL need the help. And get your dog neutered if he isn't already. Be a responsible male dog owner. You will lengthen his life expectancy.
  • Question
    How do I stop my dog from lunging at other dogs during a walk?
    Community Answer
    Teach your dog to heel on a loose leash. A tight leash will make him more likely to react, and also less likely to be paying attention to you. A dog training class can be helpful because you get to practice with your dog around a lot of other dogs. When the dog starts to lunge, turn the other way so that your dog hits the end of the leash. Keep walking away from the other dog as long as your dog is lunging. Stay calm yourself and say, "No, heel" each time your dog lunges. As soon as your dog gives you attention, give him a treat.
  • Question
    How do I teach my dog to chase balls without barking?
    Community Answer
    You can’t. That is what they naturally do, when they chase something, they bark at it.
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