Paw Pals Pet Sitting

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How to Stop Your Dog From Barking at Another Dog

May 23, 2019 by Mary Telesz

a dog that is being walked barking at another dogBarking is a dog’s natural way of communicating with other canines, but it can often be unwelcome. Barking can often stress out other dogs and people along the way, and controlling it can create a more pleasant experience for everyone. So, if the dog you are walking is barking at another dog, what should you do? Follow these quick tips and tricks to begin training your dog not to bark and to calmly handle the situation if it occurs.

Choose the Right Leash

Dogs often lunge at other dogs while they are barking. If this happens, having your dog wear a strong leash and harness combination can help you control their behavior. Choose a no-pull harness, which will not harm your dog if you need to make some sharp movements to pull it back. Hold the leash firmly but not tightly, and try not to pull on the leash. Doing so can make your dog pull and bark even more.

Explore Different Locations

If your dog frequently barks at other dogs, it may be time to find a new route. Find an uncrowded area that’s less popular with other dog walkers to remove your dog’s reason for barking entirely. This can help you avoid stressful situations until you find a long-term solution.

Walk Away

Sometimes, encountering other dogs on your walk is unavoidable. If you see another dog approaching and know that your own dog will likely bark at them, turn around and walk the other way quickly and calmly. This prevents your dog from seeing the other one, reducing their incentive to bark. Teach your dog to turn on cue by giving them a verbal command and a treat. If your dog is still not paying attention, call its name and walk backwards as you face it to provide a distraction.

Create a Diversion

dog walker giving dog treats to distract them from barking at another dogIt may not always be practical to simply walk away. In these cases, causing a distraction can help. Throw a few treats on the floor for your dog to pick up and to occupy them while the other dog is present. A squeaky toy or other favorite toy can also divert their attention just long enough for approaching dogs to pass by unseen and prevent barking.

Practice Relaxation

Dogs often feel anxious about being on a leash or being too far away from other dogs for their liking. Allow your dog to stand close enough to other dogs that they can see the dogs, but not so close that they are encouraged to react. Determining the right distance can take some trial and error, so be ready to move closer or further away as necessary to figure out where your dog feels most comfortable. Reward your dog with treats and verbal praise for not barking, and gradually move closer to other dogs as your own gets better at remaining calm and ignoring the other dogs. In time, your dog will begin to understand that refraining from barking will earn them a reward.

Heel!

To prevent your dog from lunging (or barking), train your dog to heel (in silence) when asked, and offer them a treat when they obey. Your dog may still bark, but in time they can learn to come to a heel instead. Keep practicing with your dog when you aren’t already on walks and reward them accordingly to reinforce the behavior and provide them with a strong incentive to not bark.

Add Challenges to Your Walk

Distractions can often be a critical shortcut in preventing your dog from barking. By adding new challenges to your walk, your dog will have to focus more on each new element than on their surroundings, helping curb barking. Change your speed and direction, walk around trees, go from the sidewalk to the street and back (when safe), and change the incline of your route when possible. These distractions not only help prevent barking, they also help your dog keep their mind sharp and provide a healthy mental workout in addition to the physical activity.

couple walking dog in secluded park to distract the dog barking at another dog

Support from Professional Dog Walkers

Speak to the professional dog walkers at Local Paw Pals for more information about how to prevent your dog from barking during walks. The company’s experienced walkers are trained in the best dog walking techniques, including those that help stop barking, to keep your dog safe and happy on their walks together. Local Paw Pals can send a professional to walk your dog while you’re at work, check in on your pets during long days away, and even provide dog sitting services while you’re out of town to ensure that your pet is receiving the best care possible.

Filed Under: Dog Walking, Pet Advice

Contact Paw Pals for More Information

Paw Pals specializes in professional dog walking, dog sitting, and pet sitting services. One of our reliable, adult staff members will keep your pet safe, while providing your pet the love and care they need when you are away. Contact us to learn more!

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Office Location

Paw Pals Pet Sitting, LLC
14001-C Saint Germain Drive #213
Centreville, VA 20121
(703) 345-1695

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Monday
9am - 5pm
Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Areas Served

Centreville – 20120, 20121
Chantilly – 22151
Clifton – 20124
Fairfax – 22030, 22033
Fairfax Station – 22039
Manassas – 20109, 20110, 20111
Reston – 20191, 20190

Google Rating
5.0
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
5.0
Andrea Hall
Andrea Hall
22:45 03 Oct 20
I wasn't sure about hiring a new doggie walker service... after all they are our kiddos... my babies were in great hands and I felt relaxed having them in their care. Thank you for everything!
Phillip Evans
Phillip Evans
14:38 11 Jul 20
When we adopted our new dog in January, Paw Pals agreed to walk her and give her some outside time so she wasn't in the crate all day. She loved her dog walker and you could see her excitement every time the walker showed up. We moved out of the area but would recommend Paw Pals to anyone needing someone to care for their pets.
Katie Russell
Katie Russell
15:01 17 May 20
Paw Pals is fantastic! I have had a great experience with Mary! Compassionate, professional, responsive, and prompt! Thank you!
Kristin Conrad
Kristin Conrad
16:00 16 Nov 19
We are so grateful we found Mary and her team at Paw Pals. They are exceptionally responsive, amazingly organized and detail-oriented.We have such peace of mind when we travel knowing our home and pets are so well cared for. Paw Pals is the best pet sitting service we’ve used, and we’re so happy we found them.
Dr Tammy Cashion
Dr Tammy Cashion
21:11 12 Mar 19
We have used Paw pals pet sitting on multiple occasions for our bunnies while we are away. Many pet sitters are not interested in small pets however; Mary and her team, are amazing and we trust her implicitly! We are very happy with the outstanding service we have received from her team including texts and photos of our pets when we are out of town. They always go the extra mile and we highly recommend them!
Cindy Welgoss
Cindy Welgoss
13:12 27 Nov 20
We have been using Paw Pals for several years, and through a variety of pets that we have loved. Mary and her team have always been *exceptional* in every way. They are professional, courteous, and truly love our fur family! Mary herself is an organized and stellar administrator of her pet care business, keeping detailed records of our pet’s needs, scheduled pet visits, payments, and balance due easy to keep track of as the pet owner. The pet caretaking team is reliable and trustworthy. When our dogs see any of their Paw Pal friends, they get SO excited to see them! Follow up comments are left via text to keep the pet owner informed of the visit and how the pets are faring. Paw Pals has allowed our family the peace of mind to leave our pets at home, for work, weekend getaways and longer times away when necessary, where they are the most comfortable and familiar. We are grateful to Mary and her team for giving us the ability to enjoy pet ownership without feeling tied down. The responsibility of having pets comes with the need to keep them safe and comfortable at all times, and Mary and her team affords us this when our family has to be away.
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