Each dog has its own character and will greet other dogs in its own way, sometimes with lots of sniffing and tail wagging. But some dogs just don’t get along with other dogs, and such encounters quickly become a nerve test for mum and dad. Many dog owners know it: the dog barks at other dogs – and then he starts romping around on the leash. Often the four-legged friends do not calm down until the other conspecifics have disappeared. But why do some dogs bark at other dogs? And what can you do as a dog owner to prevent barking? In this article, you will find out why a dog barks at other dogs.
Dog barks at other dogs – reasons and causes
The term “aggression” or “aggressive” is often used to label barking dogs. But actually, the behavior that people perceive as aggressive is part of normal communication between dogs. The point of such behavior? distance increase. Dogs are often kept on a leash – an unnatural restriction for four-legged friends. On a leash, they cannot avoid some encounters and have to create the desired distance from their fellow dogs in other ways. Due to the restriction on the leash, the four-legged friends sometimes have no choice but to bark in the event of unwanted encounters.
Reasons for barking at other dogs:
- Lack of socialization in puppyhood
- Overzealousness, compulsion to participate, high energy surplus
- Aggression through possibly incorrect dog training
- Excitement and relaxation problems
- Sexual frustration or boredom
- Fear or insecurity
- Strong dominance behavior
- Protective instinct
- Strong herd instinct, territorial behavior
- Defense of resources (food, treats, toys)
- Negative memories
- Pains
- Great joy
Why is my dog barking at other dogs?
You want to increase the distance. Dogs are often kept on a leash – an unnatural restriction for four-legged friends. As a result, they cannot avoid some encounters and have to create the desired distance from their peers in other ways. Due to the restriction on the leash, the four-legged friends often have no choice but to bark in the event of unwanted encounters.
Dog Signs – How Do I Know Why My Dog Is Barking?
Many dogs bark unintentionally due to territorial aggression. The dogs don’t like it when other dogs stop in “their” area. Worse when they are in the game. In such situations, it can quickly become uncomfortable because many dog owners think the dog just wants to play. But this is only about defending the area in which the dog and mistress/master are currently located. Intruding dogs are undesirable and should be driven away. The dog jumps and pulls at full power on the leash out of sheer frustration, barking and growling at the other dogs. The fact that this behavior often occurs on a leash has to do with the fact that the dogs can control everything “outdoors” very well. Once the intruder has been checked out, things usually continue as normal.
Sexual frustration is also one of the most common reasons for barking. When dogs are sexually frustrated, they want to chase away their same-sex mates. Male dogs in particular want to drive male dogs away – especially if they are not neutered. However, this behavior can occur in males AND females. The four-legged friends simply cannot stand it when competitors are in their vicinity. When running free, they would show who’s boss in the area by marking, growling, and pawing. Sexual frustration can often be identified quickly by stomping the front paws, a stiff posture, and a raised head, combined with barking. Dogs don’t actually want to attack their fellow dogs in this case – they just want to show who’s wearing the pants.
Some dogs want to defend their resources by barking. These can be treats or toys that you have taken with you. By barking and putting himself between the object of desire and the competitor, the dog wants to show exactly what’s his. Humans can also be seen as a resource to be defended by dogs, because dogs often place themselves demonstratively in front of their owners to declare them “his”. The demonstrative placing in front of people can be strongly connected with the protective instinct. When other dogs get too close to the human, the attack starts. This behavior also occurs above all on a leash, because as soon as the owner does not show himself to be a leader and asserts himself, the dog takes over this role and has the feeling of having to protect his owner.
How to stop the dog from barking?
It is recommended to work on barking with a professional dog trainer so that a training plan tailored to the human-dog team can be developed as quickly as possible. A trainer can assess exactly how dogs and human are interacting and what triggers and causes lead to the barking.
Training methods – how do I counteract the causes?
When barking, there can be a mix of different causes. It may also be that the behavior is simply ritualized because the dog has been allowed to engage in this behavior for a long time. Successful training is important for breaking the habit of barking.
In order to be able to build a basis for dog training, it is important to find out what the causes are. Depending on the cause, different training methods can be used. Some dogs need impulse training, others need to learn to trust their human – it varies from dog to dog.
However, the points listed below are only advice and not training methods. The causes of barking are often difficult to identify. It is recommended to work on the problem together with a professional dog trainer so that a training plan adapted to the human-dog team can be developed as quickly as possible. A trainer can assess exactly how dogs and humans are interacting and what triggers there are for barking. As with any behavioral training, the newly trained is then implemented step by step in everyday life until it is successful.
Tips to avoid barking at other dogs:
- Exude security and walk past the other dog in a determined and safe manner
- Distract the four-legged friend with a toy
- Work on the bond of trust with your dog
- Dog training with a dog whistle
- Let the dog’s leash slack
How do I teach my dog to ignore other dogs?
Distract the dog with a toy or treat as soon as he sees the other dog. It is important that he only gets this as a reward if he does not react to the other dog during the encounter. The dog learns that encounters with other conspecifics can be quite positive.
Dog barks at other dogs – this is how you react wrongly
Regardless of whether you know the cause of the barking or not – there are reactions that dog owners should avoid at all costs. One wrong reaction can worsen the nerve-wracking situation before it even begins.
Avoid panic. Be sure to avoid panicking or fussing as soon as you see another dog. Because if your dog hasn’t even realized the situation and you suddenly change your behavior, he will notice it – and react accordingly. A sudden change in human behavior signals danger to the four-legged friend and calls for increased vigilance. It triggers what one would like to avoid in such moments: one’s own restless behavior is reflected on the dog and causes the opposite of relaxation and balance.
Stay calm! When you are relaxed, the dog is too. Talking about it, changing the side of the road in a panic, scolding, or suddenly running to get past the other dog as quickly as possible are clear indications of imminent danger for the four-legged friend. Relax, radiate calm, let your dog relax, and don’t let it be known that something is about to happen. And if your dog has behaved correctly, you can of course reward him afterward.
What to do if a dog encounter threatens to escalate?
If your dog immediately fixates on other dogs and prepares for an active attack, you should take the situation seriously. Often there is nothing left but to change lanes. Switch running directions, but remain calm and relaxed. Be careful not to panic or become restless as soon as the situation threatens to escalate. Because if you suddenly change your behavior, the dog will notice. A sudden change in human behavior signals danger to the four-legged friend and calls for increased vigilance.
5 strategies to take when your dog barks at other dogs
It is important to remain calm and not to panic immediately in encounters. Here are 5 strategies you can use in parenting to stay in control of the situation:
Diversion
If your dog tends to pull hard on the leash when he sees his fellow dogs, hold the leash firmly but not tightly. As soon as your four-legged friend notices the other dog, he gets a treat. It is important that he gets this small reward during the encounter with the other dog, not before or after. And he only gets the treat if he’s been really positive. The dog should learn that encounters with other dogs can also be relaxed. He is not rewarded for the situation he has survived, but for his relaxed behavior. If the dog barks, there is no treat. After a while of successful, relaxed encounters, you can start rewarding your dog less and less. You let the leash slack and feed a little less. If the dog doesn’t respond to treats, you can distract and reward him with a toy or stick.
Lane change
If your dog immediately fixates on other dogs and prepares for an active attack, you should take the situation seriously. Sometimes there is nothing left but to change lanes. Change running direction abruptly, but remain calm and relaxed. The sudden change of direction will surprise your four-legged friend. Wonder is a good distraction and interrupts the unwanted attack on the other dog.
Take breaks
Another way to avoid barking at other dogs is to withdraw from the upcoming situation. Take breaks with your dog on walks where you just sit down and relax. You are welcome to play with your dog, give it a small snack or let it rest. The aim of the whole thing is to get the dog used to relaxed situations. If another dog approaches, you pause. Since your dog then knows the broken ritual and associates it with relaxation, he will get involved in the break. Once the dog has passed, you can continue walking normally.
If your dog likes to bark at other dogs, you should make it clear that you are the alpha animal. If your dog barks at other dogs, shorten the leash and hold tight. Make sure your dog walks close to your legs. You fill the empty space between your four-legged friend and the other dog with your body. So you walk in the middle when another dog comes. The space between the dogs remains as large as possible and your dog quickly realizes that you are in control. The important thing is that the whole thing should take place without comment. No gossip, no scolding, no rewards.
Make the dog safe
It makes sense to practice encounters with other dogs when they are puppies. If the dog is used to encounters with other four-legged friends, it will bark at dogs less often. Encounters with other dogs for training purposes are to be carried out in suitable places. Dogs should not be able to get out of sight here. It is important to give the dog the necessary security in every encounter. Even if the situation may be difficult for you as a dog owner: stay calm and relaxed. The dog perceives any panic, every cramping, pulling on the leash, or scolding as your “barking” and can feel strengthened in the argument with its conspecifics. Maintain your own self-discipline and make the dog feel safe.
