Teaching Your Dog Not to Bark at Strangers
Our four-legged friends love to protect us, but it may be embarrassing if they continue to bark at strangers. How do you teach your dog to stop this behavior? This article will explain the basics of training your dog how to mind their manners and prevent the behavior from occurring in the first place.
Why do dogs bark at strangers in the first place? There is a possibility that dogs can feel highly protective of their home and humans. On the other hand, sometimes our canine companions are so overwhelmed with excitement to see a new face. In addition, dogs may bark at strangers due to not being used to their presence, or they have a lack of socialization or fear of the unknown.
Hopefully, you understand the reasons why dogs bark at strangers. Now it’s time to discuss the different training methods to help prevent the habit. Please see below for training tips.
Walk Away – Your dog may have difficulty understanding that it cannot bark at strangers. It’s best to show them they cannot be rewarded with interaction if they continue to bark. Immediately turn around and walk in the opposite direction of the approaching stranger. Once your dog has stopped barking, you can offer them a treat.
Ignoring the Behavior – The goal is to help your dog realize that they will not be rewarded with attention when they bark at strangers. Ask a friend to help “pose” as a stranger to your dog. Once your dog settles down and stops barking, the stranger can reward them with a treat.
Distraction – Distraction is another beneficial way to keep your dog from barking at a stranger. Distract your dog with noise when they begin to bark. Utilize a clicker or snap your fingers to distract your dog. Once you have gained your dog’s full attention, you can reward them with a treat.
Has your dog learned to remain calm and refrain from barking at strangers? If so, it’s time to teach them how to sit politely as a stranger greets them. Learning to mind their manners around strangers will take time, consistency, and patience, like any other command.
