I was out on a walk with my dogs the other day when we passed a young woman walking her dog as well. The second we came into sight her dog started barking and pulling on the leash trying to reach us, even though we were a good 50 feet away.
Glad for my two obedient dogs, I gave this lady some space by crossing the street and heading a different direction. As I looked back I cringed at what she was doing…
I see MOST people do this with their barking dogs when I am in public. And I did it with my dogs before I had the right information.
…she was crouched down by the dog’s side petting them in a loving way while crooning “Shh, it’s okay…it’s okay.” Now, if you don’t do anything else with your barking dog, at least don’t do that.
This young lady is not a bad dog owner, and her dog is not a bad dog. She loves her dog and WANTS her dog to stop barking. For whatever reason, at the moment…she does not have the correct information.
So what ARE you supposed to do to stop your dog from barking at another dog?
Giving the dog a treat to get their attention back on you is not going to stop the barking. This is called re-direction and it only works as long as the dog is willing to play this game. The next time it sees a dog/person/cat that it REALLY wants to bark at, it will do so regardless of what you have in your hand.
To stop the barking you need to correct the behavior. Give a leash pop, shake a can of pennies, squirt the dog in the face with water, use a prong collar, remote collar or a bonker. Whatever works and stops the behavior so you never see it again…do it!
Walking your dog should be a pleasant experience for BOTH of you. Your dog’s energy is better spent by focusing on you, or playing Chuck-It or fetch. Nothing good will ever come of your dog’s energy focused on barking at another dog.
More Tips
Check out our other posts
Why Clear Communication Changes Everything
Think your dog is stubborn, ignoring you, or deliberately testing your patience?
The truth might be simpler: your dog is constantly reading your body language, tone, timing, consistency, and follow-through. When those signals don’t match what you’re saying, your dog can become confused about what you actually want.
Discover why your dog may listen perfectly to a trainer but struggle with you, why repeating commands can make things worse, and how clearer communication can lead to less frustration, better behavior, and a stronger relationship with your dog.
Stop Negotiating With Your Dog: Make Your First “No” Count
Your dog isn’t ignoring you by accident—they may have learned that if they wait long enough, you’ll give in.
From leash pulling and jumping to selective listening and treat bribery, inconsistent boundaries can accidentally reinforce the behaviors driving you crazy.
Learn how calm, consistent follow-through can help you stop repeating yourself, communicate more clearly, and build a dog that actually listens the first time.
Why Your “High-Energy” Dog Still Won’t Calm Down
Think your dog is bored because they’re constantly pacing, barking, jumping, demanding attention, or getting into trouble?
More exercise and nonstop entertainment might not be the solution. Your dog may actually need more structure. Learn how consistent routines, clear boundaries, purposeful training, and intentional downtime can teach your dog how to settle and develop a reliable “off-switch.” The result?
A calmer, more confident dog who doesn’t need you to be their full-time entertainment—and a more peaceful, enjoyable life together.
Stop Blaming Reactivity: Your Dog May Just Be Overstimulated
Is your dog calm at home but completely loses it the second you go for a walk?
Pulling, barking, lunging, and ignoring you may not always mean your dog is reactive—they could be overstimulated.
Learn why too much excitement and not enough guidance can turn walks into chaos, plus simple dog training strategies to help your dog stay calmer, focused, and easier to handle on leash.