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Stop your dog’s barking & lunging

Are you feeling exhausted, embarrassed or or overwhelmed because walking your dog feels like a disaster waiting to happen? Many dogs bark and lunge at the sight (or sound or smell) of other dogs when on a leash walk. They can get excited to greet another dog and frustrated by their ability to do so. Or they might get scared and shout “go away”!

Change Feelings to Change Behavior

It can be helpful to understand that when your dog is barking and lunging at other dogs on leash walks, the behavior is rooted in emotions. A reactive dog is an upset dog, and to change the behaviors of barking and lunging, we have to address the emotions driving them. Here are some powerful tips for doing just that:

Use Distance

For your dog to be able to be in learning mode, they can’t be so close to the other dog that they are reacting already.

Find a distance where:

  • Your dog’s body language is loose and relaxed

  • Your dog is able to eat

  • Your dog is able to engage with you

If your street is busy, compact or dog-filled, maybe a field trip is in order.

Be Treat Smart

Always carry food on walks - food that your dog loves. Carry treats in a way that makes it very easy for you to grab a treat quickly. Treat pouches are great for this, and I find ones with magnetic closure that can stay either open or closed to be the easiest to use.

Shift a Stare into a Sniff

Always interrupt a stare at another dog ASAP. As soon as your dog glances at another dog, say “find-it” and toss a treat on the ground for your dog to sniff out and eat. Sniffing gets their nose pointed to the ground instead of towards the other dog, and can help you to move to a more comfortable distance. Additionally, you can help to lower your dogs heart rate by getting them sniffing. Think of playing “find-it” as management, teaching and de-stressing all at once.

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