Taking a relaxing walk with your dog and enjoying the peace isn’t always easy. As soon as another dog comes into view, the barking begins.
In general, barking is a form of communication for dogs. It’s their language to express their own feelings and needs and to interact with other dogs.
However, since dogs often need to be on a leash, they may feel restricted in their movement, and they can’t always avoid encounters. To create some distance from other dogs, they may resort to expressing themselves through loud barking.
In moderation, barking is entirely normal and understandable. However, if it happens very frequently, it’s essential to look into the reasons behind it.
This dog guide explains the possible causes of barking and what you can do about it.
Why is my dog barking at other dogs?
Firstly, it’s important to determine the cause of the behavior.
- Fear and insecurity: If the dog has had no or bad experiences with its kind, it may develop fear, expressed through barking as a protective or defensive behavior.
- Aggression: Just like some people, some dogs find it challenging to relax. They may be under tension and release this pressure by barking at other dogs.
- Protective instinct: In this case, the dog sees other dogs as a potential threat and simply wants to protect its family, i.e., its owner.
- Dominance behavior: When a dog barks at another dog, it may be trying to intimidate the other and assert its dominance.
- Excess energy: Most dogs need regular exercise. If they lack physical and mental stimulation, excess energy can build up, leading to barking during walks.
- Lack of socialization: If a dog has had insufficient or incorrect training, it may not know that its behavior is inappropriate. It might be barking out of joy to greet other dogs or invite them to play. Pubescent dogs may also test their boundaries, similar to humans.
- Sexual frustration can lead to dogs wanting to chase away same-sex peers. In this case, they signal with barking that they won’t tolerate competitors nearby.
- Pain can also be a trigger for dog barking.
Furthermore, the meaning of barking can vary depending on the dog’s breed, age, training, temperament, and the specific situation.
My dog barks at other dogs: What can be done?
The good news is that in most cases, you can train your dog to stop barking at other dogs. However, consistent behavior training is necessary for both the dog and the owner.
Tip 1: Variety
It’s generally advisable to provide dogs with plenty of variety. This applies to the walking route as well. If dogs can explore new paths and solve small tasks playfully, they won’t get bored. At the same time, they’ll be distracted and less likely to notice other dogs.
Tip 2: Show authority
Dogs with dominant behavior need to understand who the alpha is – namely, their owner. Dogs must perceive their owners as authority figures, which can be achieved through clear commands. They will then follow their owner’s lead in terms of pace and direction.
Tip 3: Engagement
Most dogs need regular exercise and activity to burn excess energy. When they are properly engaged, for example, through games like fetch or command training, barking out of boredom can be reduced.
Tip 4: Calm leash handling
This conveys to especially fearful dogs that the situation is under control and no danger is imminent. A calming influence can have a positive impact on the four-legged companion.
Tip 5: Confident behavior
If the dog has a strong protective instinct, it’s crucial to show that you don’t rely on its protection from other dogs. In this case, the leash should remain loose, and the pace should be maintained.
In general, it’s advisable to minimize attention to the pet’s misbehavior and instead reward good and calm behavior with treats, for example.
Additional tips
- Tip 1: If, despite repeated attempts, there is no success, consider seeking the help of an expert. Dog schools with trained instructors, as well as dog therapists or veterinarians, are suitable for this purpose.
- Tip 2: To signal to other dog owners “Please keep your distance,” a yellow dog ribbon can be attached to the leash or collar. This symbol does not indicate aggression but expresses the desire for space and restraint. This may be the case for dogs in training, in heat, ill, shy, or elderly dogs.
Conclusion: Often, it’s not a single cause that leads a dog to bark at another dog. It is helpful to carefully observe your pet in each situation and then develop and train solutions with patience.
