Manage The Behavior
The first rule when you want to teach your dog a new behavior, or in this case, unteach a behavior, is to ensure that your dog can be successful. So you first must know what “success” looks like … which in this case is “calm and relaxed.”
In order to change your dog’s behavior, he has to stop performing the unwanted “nightmare” behavior. Keep reading to find out how to do that.
(You may be ready to surf away about now, but hang with me; it’s not as hard as you may think.)
First, bring extra yummy treats when you walk with them. These should be treats that they ONLY get when they see other dogs. As soon as you see the dog, start praising them lavishly and give them a treat. This will help them learn that dog equals treat. If dog equals treat, then there is no reason to bark and lunge. Keep treating them as long as they are calm and try to create enough distance between you and the other dog so they don’t react.
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Also, make sure the walks have structure. If your dog is allowed to pull on the leash, stop to sniff every five feet, and pee on all of the trees, then they will think that they are walking you. This means they won’t listen to you when they see another dog. Practice having them walk next to you on a loose leash. Then have them sit multiple times on a walk just because you asked them too. You can also change your walking speed or normal route. All of these things will help your dog learn that you are in control on a walk. If you are in control, then they need to listen when they see another dog.
Your dog may also need more time off leash! Consider doggie daycare or taking your dog to the dog park.
If your dog does react, calmly say “nope,” block them for a moment with your body, then turn and walk away from the other dog. This creates distance between your dog and the other dog and should help to calm your pup.
How to Stop Dog From Barking on Walks
If barking’s the issue with your dog, releasing won’t help much, right?
What will help is introducing a “bark” and thus also a “quiet” command as this will set you both up for great communication.
Your dog immediately knows that barking is undesirable at that moment if you use the “quiet” command.
Some breeds bark much more heavily than others (German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, and especially Border Collies).
Make sure to show them that there’s no danger or anything else negative.
Calming down an overexcited dog on walks is all about discipline, leash training, and distance.
If you stay patient and consistent with your training, it will get much better.
Share your experiences with leash reactivity in the comments below.
Dog goes crazy on walk – How to stop it. How to modify problems on the walk. Meet people on walks.
Dog leash training can help you enjoy your walks with your dog. Some dogs will naturally take to walking nicely on the leash, however many dogs develop a tendency to pull on it. Sometimes pulling on the leash is so much that walks are no longer fun.
If you are reading this advice is probably because your furry best friend tends to get REALLY excited when out for walks. Some dogs go nuts when they see a cat or a squirrel. Other dogs go bunkers when they see another dog. And yet others simply pull on the leash all the time. This article is mostly geared towards dogs that are completely out of control. If your dog only pulls on the leash a little bit, I recommend you teach your pet to behave on walks with the step-by-step exercises outlined here.
If you have tried many things already and dont know what else to do about dog leash training, then keep on reading and practice every step.
No-pull harnesses are designed for dogs not to pull based on their anatomy. They do not hurt the dog in any way, in fact they are better than a regular collar that can still damage your dogs neck. They work with the same principle as the head-halter, but I like harness better because they do not require previous training and are safer. There are excellent designs and models available, here are a few of the best ones: