Dog Trainer Reveals a Simple Trick to Stop Your Pet from Barking at Other Dogs
A dog behavior and training expert explained what owners should pay attention to first.
Dog owners who are tired of their pet constantly barking at other dogs can finally relax – there is a simple way to stop it, reports Net.hr.
Dogs often bark out of excitement, fear, frustration, or a desire for attention. Barking also serves as a way of communicating with other dogs and humans. Excessive barking can be unpleasant but is sometimes a sign of behavioral issues.
Amelia Still, a dog trainer and behavior expert, explains that the first step is to understand why the dog is barking.
"Is the dog scared? Is it barking out of caution? Is it too excited or frustrated? Once you understand the reason, focus on that emotion," she told The Guardian.
If your dog barks at other dogs during walks, check if it is afraid and adjust its interactions with other dogs so the experience becomes positive. When your dog looks at another dog, give it a treat to associate that moment with something pleasant.
Still adds that some dogs naturally bark more than others, depending on their breed or personality.
“My Belgian Shepherd barks at the door, while my Golden Retriever just sits and watches,” she says.
It is important not to scold your dog when it barks, as this can confuse or frighten it. Instead, reward it when it stays calm – this way it learns that silence is positive and rewarded.
