You know that feeling when you’re on a peaceful walk, everything’s calm, birds are chirping… then your dog spots another dog across the street and absolutely loses the plot? Loud, nonstop barking.
Pulling at the leash like their life depends on it. People turning to stare. Yeah. Not exactly the chill stroll you had in mind.
You’re not alone. Loads of dog parents are right there with you, doing the walk of shame back to the car while muttering “He’s usually not like this.”
Let’s talk about why your dog might be acting like that, and how you can help them keep their cool around other pups.
Why Is My Dog Barking at Other Dogs Like It’s a Street Fight?
First things first, dogs don’t just bark for the fun of it. Most times, there’s a reason.
Some dogs bark because they’re excited and want to say hi. Others bark because they’re scared, unsure, or feel like they need to protect their human.
And then there are dogs who get frustrated because the leash stops them from running up to the other dog, so they bark out of sheer annoyance.
You can usually tell by how they bark. Is it a deep, aggressive growl-bark combo with hackles up? Might be fear or territorial behavior.
Is it high-pitched, waggy-tail, wiggly-body barking? That’s probably excitement.
Knowing the reason behind the bark changes everything. You’re not just dealing with a “bad dog.” You’re dealing with a dog trying to communicate something.
Know Your Dog’s “Uh-Oh” Zone
Every dog has a threshold, basically, how close another dog can get before your pup freaks out.
Maybe your dog can see a dog across a big field and stay calm, but once that dog gets to the sidewalk? Boom. Barkfest.
Your job is to figure out where that tipping point is and stay under it. That’s your training zone.
Work from a distance where your dog can still think, still take treats, still look at you. If they’re barking their head off, they’re too close and can’t learn anything in that state.
Start Small, and Keep It Chill
You don’t need to walk straight into a dog park and hope for the best. That’s like tossing someone with a fear of heights onto a rollercoaster.
Instead, start far away. Like, “other dog is a dot in the distance” far. Every time your dog sees the other dog and doesn’t bark? Toss a treat. Praise them like they just won an Olympic medal.
You’re teaching them: “Hey, look at that dog over there? That means good stuff happens.”
Little by little, over days or weeks, you can start closing that distance. But go slow. Let your dog set the pace.
Use Treats Like You Mean It
High-value treats are your best mate here. Not dry old biscuits, but the good stuff, chicken, cheese, bits of sausage. Whatever your dog loses their mind over (in a good way).
When your dog sees another dog and doesn’t bark? Treat. If they look back at you instead of staring the other dog down? Jackpot.
The more you reward calm behavior, the more it’ll become their new normal.
Keep the Leash Loose, and Your Vibe Cooler Than a Cucumber
Tight leash = tension. And tension travels straight down the line to your dog. If you’re gripping the leash like a lifeline and holding your breath, your dog’s gonna feel that and react more.
Try to keep the leash loose. Stay relaxed. Talk to your dog in a soft, easy tone. You’re their leader, and if you’re chill, they’re more likely to stay chill too.
Redirect Before the Bark Even Starts
Watch your dog’s body language like a hawk. Ears perked up? Staring hard at an approaching dog? That’s your moment.
Before the bark comes, call their name. Offer a treat. Turn and walk the other way if needed. Keep their brain busy and off the trigger.
Catching it before it escalates makes all the difference.
This Stuff Takes Time
There’s no quick fix here. You’re rewiring your dog’s brain and emotional response. That takes repetition, patience, and loads of positive reinforcement.
Some days will feel great. Other days, your dog might go full-volume again out of nowhere. That’s normal.
Just keep going.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If your dog’s barking is really intense, or you’re not sure where to start, a certified dog trainer (especially one who understands reactivity and uses kind methods) can work wonders.
Sometimes having a second set of eyes can help you spot what you’ve been missing.
One Last Note: Your Dog’s Not Broken
It’s easy to feel embarrassed when your dog’s the one barking at every passing pooch while other dogs trot by like model citizens.
But here’s the thing, your dog’s not being bad. They’re overwhelmed. Or excited. Or scared. And you’re the one helping them work through it.
You’re doing more than just walking a dog. You’re building trust and teaching them how to feel safe in the world.
Isn’t that kind of awesome?
So, when was the last time your dog surprised you with their progress, even just a little bit?