How can I make my dog stop barking at friendly strangers that want to pet him when we are on walks?

Question

My dog was not always a barker. He is now very tuned in to my emotions. If I gasp or laugh loudly while watching TV, he runs out of his doggy door and barks at nothing. Also, he has started barking at strangers who wish to pet him. This is obviously the bigger problem. He barks and will not let them pet him. I am not sure why this started because I can't think of anything that has changed.

Answer 1

When a dog's behaviour suddenly changes we first look for a medical cause. If you have searched your brain and cannot think of any thing different going on to cause. And it can be some silly cause that yu wouldn't think of. Something with you has him anxious and more protective.

Are you sure you are ok medically?? Seriously. Dogs pick up on changes in owner before owner aware. Any changes in your personal life, for good or bad?? Any time you were walking and something startled you or you felt uneasy about a person walking near?? Remember dogs do pick up on our emotions even if we don't react outwardly.

Dogs do not change behaviour without cause. Check his ears also for signs of ear infection. Look for other changes in his eating, etc. Yes, we can work on the barking at strangers problem. But first need to seek answers as to why! And it may be medical cause, for you or him.

Answer 2

Does he only bark at strangers when he's on a leash? Many dogs are extra protective if their owner (especially a female owner) is "on leash." You need to teach him that YOU, not he, is in charge at all times. YOU decide how you want him to behave and train him to do so. This is not easy, but it is VERY important: decide first how you want him to behave around friendly strangers and then teach him to do so. You may need to enlist the help of a professional trainer if you're not sure how to go about it. I've taught my dog 3 leash positions: back, heel and go ahead. Back means she has to walk behind me and I use it whan approaching a person or other animal. It demonstrates that I am the pack leader and will determine how to handle the situation. She isn't left to decide because she's naturally defensive and protective and tends to overreact. Heel means walk with her head next to my left knee, and to sit automatically if I stop walking. I use this also around people for the same reason as the back, but when we're in closer proximity such as walking on a sidewalk. If we're just walking relaxed, she can "go ahead" or walk in front of me as long as she doesn't pull on the leash. Basic obedience training may go a long way to alleviate the problem.
At first, tell people he's in training and please not to pat him right now. This should be temporary, but if you insist on him submittiing to other people's attention before he's comfortable, you may make the situation worse by trying to force it. You can also get help from friends or willing strangers in walking past him, ignoring him while tossing a special treat his way. This helps him to understand that people mean good things and aren't necessarily threatening. Once he begins to look to you for direction, and even to anticipate strangers with pleasure, then let one or two pat him briefly. Never let anyone touch the top of his head as he may perceive this as a threat: have them hold a closed hand for him to sniff and then pet him only if he remains relaxed and friendly. Don't punish him for doing what he thinks is the right thing to do: defend his pack. Do teach him that he is a subordinate pack member and must take his cues from the leader, you. There's a book out called "Leader of the Pack" you may find interesting. Also, look into clicker training. You can teach him almost anything using this all-positive method and at the same time, build and strengthen your relationship with him.

Answer 3

I might know how you feel!
My dog started doing that out of the blue,too.
just start telling him shhh at home. do not give him any positive reinforcement for any barking at any time.I know its a painstaking process because you have to be very, very abrupt and consistent. Your doggie is acting out the role of your master and you are his possession.
This can't continue right? lol .
Also for a while walk him in a quieter place if you can. If a stranger walks by and he ignores them give him a bit of whatever you have. My friend resorted to making his dog a sign that read:
Please ignore me
I am in training.
after while when he saw nobody cared about how tough he was ,he started stealing candy from babies...but in a very friendly way!
good luck!!

Answer 4

A dog should be trained on how to eat, walk with you, not to bark, potty training and sleep on its place etc. You can teach anything to your puppy, dogs get trained easily with some good instructions. If you want some good training tips visit https://tr.im/H3J67

If properly trained, they should also understand whistle and gesture equivalents for all the relevant commands, e.g. short whistle or finger raised sit, long whistle or flat hand lay down, and so on.

It's important that they also get gestures and whistles as voice may not be sufficient over long distances and under certain circumstances.

Answer 5

i just got a puppy, and the vet gave me a good tip to help her be friendly with strangers. If you have a friend or someone come to the house, give them a couple cherios and have then give it to the dog. So whenever somone comes over than the dog will be friendly thinking hell get a treat. The vet also recomended having the mailman or delivery man give a treat to the dog to. i hope i helped a little, good luck!

Answer 6

maybe he's feeling cooped up, let him out more. I kno how its like, my dog will go outside and bark at nothing, i mean barking isnt always bad..... if u feel its abonoral take to a vet

Answer 7

So, We trained my 2yo maltese dez to stop biting in just 8 days. Fast and easy. My secret to success is the Dog discipline magic system look it up on google.

Answer 8

You don't say what kind of dog he is, but I have a Dachsund and a Dachsund mix and they are both verrrry protective of me (they are they way about women anyway). The poor meter reader has to climb my fence when the dogs aren't looking! But they don't act that way with my male roommate.

Answer 9

This dog is in dire needs of socialization and an owner who is capable of training him. Get him to obedience so a qualified instructor can teach you how to train your dog. His problems will only get worse if you don't stop this now.