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My dog loves to go on walks in the morning and afternoons, and he usually behaves really well, but there are times when he sees certain people and just can’t stop barking at them. It’s the same people in the neighborhood, but he always reacts the same way.
Any insight into why he does that or how to train him to behave better on walks?
Teno V.
Dear Teno,
Walking is a dog’s favorite thing to do, but it certainly can be an anxious time for a pet parent if the dog barks at other people or dogs. Dogs tend to bark at “new things,” so if there is a way for you both to meet these neighbors, this should reduce its barking every time he sees them. The more familiar it becomes with its environment and the people and pets who are in it, the less likely it will feel the need to bark and alert you.
If that’s not possible, or you are not comfortable meeting the neighbors, there are a few ways to address a dog that barks while walking on a leash. The first is to say, “Let’s go,” and turn and walk in the opposite direction. This forces the dog to pay more attention to you.
Your dog won’t know to turn at first, but it will feel the tug on the leash as you move in the opposite direction and eventually will follow you. When it does, click a clicker (available at pet stores) or say its reward word, like “Bingo,” to let the dog know it did something right, and then give it a treat. Repeat this every time it barks (or lunges) during the walk.
The next thing is to give your dog a wider berth. That means if you see a dog or person coming your way, cross the street so you are not heading straight for them. If it barks, continue the “let’s go” and walking in a different direction. You may feel like you are getting a little dizzy doing this, but it does work in getting a dog to check in with you.
You also can enlist a friend to stand with their dog across the street or down the block — close enough that your dog can see them, but far enough away that your dog is not barking at them. Walk on the opposite side of the street. If your dog barks say, “let’s go” and turn.
If you don’t have someone to practice with, sign up for a dog training class. During one of the lessons, there will be opportunities to practice this technique. Given time, your dog should learn to pay more attention to you and bark less on your walks.
Send your pet questions, tips, and stories to [email protected]. You can read the Animals Matter blog at http://blog.mysanantonio.com/animals and follow her at @cathymrosenthal.
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