What to do (and not to do) about your dog's problem barking - Dr. Marty Becker

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What to do (and not to do) about your dog’s problem barking

Monday, Jun 29th, 2020 | By Dr. Marty Becker

photo of Pomeranian barking

A reader asked about her dog’s problem barking, and how her husband was making the problem worse. Since I’m better at talking the talk than walking the walk on barking, my daughter, trainer Mikkel Becker, tackled this one. Here’s her barking great advice!

Q: One of our dogs always barks and growls when he sees other dogs. My husband yells at him to try to get him to stop. I know that’s not the best response, but what should we do instead? We try to drag him away, but that’s not always possible.

A: It can be embarrassing when a dog starts to bark at other dogs, especially if they haven’t done anything to provoke him. Your husband’s reaction is normal, but as you say, it’s not very effective. Neither is dragging the dog away (or picking him up if he’s a small dog).

In fact, both of those responses can increase the likelihood that your dog will bark at other dogs, especially if he’s barking out of fear. Punishment can escalate his anxiety and teach him to associate other dogs with negative consequences. Dragging him away can make him think that his barking is working because it removes him from the presence of the other dog, causing him to bark even more the next time he sees a strange dog.

Instead, work with a trainer or behaviorist to teach your dog an alternative response, such as sitting and looking at you when he sees another dog. You can also pair the sight of another dog with rewards, such as treats or play with a favorite toy. Both of these techniques can help your dog develop a positive reaction toward other dogs and relax in their presence.

It’s also important for you and your husband to remain calm when this behavior occurs. The anxiety that you undoubtedly feel when you see another dog approaching travels right down the leash to your dog and can contribute to the likelihood that he’ll start barking.

You can learn more about managing reactive dogs at fearfreehappyhomes.com.

There’s more – including a look at the tradition of monastery cats – in Pet Connection, the weekly nationally syndicated pet feature I co-write with Kim Campbell Thornton and my daughter, trainer Mikkel Becker.