Can dog owners train their dogs not to bark at walkers? If so, why not to it?

Question

Most dogs ignore me or come up with tail wagging. Some dogs however run toward me barking loudly. I am not convinced that "Barking dogs don't bite." Moreover I have a heart condition and don't need the excitement. In Canada it is against the law for a person to make threats to another. I don't see why I should put up with it from a dog when I am walking for my health. Dog owners - if you have trained a dog to behave when out for a walk, please advise your fellow dog owners how to do it.

Answer 1

They really should stop their dogs from doing this. It is dangerous and a beginning sign of aggression. It is a sign of poor dog care if an owner allows this to go on. In fact, the dog and owner should leave the walkway, sit, and allow a walker to pass unobstructed. Some dogs are just more dominant than others by temperament. But if an owner refuses to control it and train the dog, then the owner is being neglectful. I always, always make take my golden off the walkway, have her sit and allow walkers to pass.

Answer 2

Yes, their dogs can be trained to ignore others. It simply requires a timely correction during the walk. And you should be concerned with any dog that's barking at you. They may bark for different reasons but unless you're certain the reason, avoid the dog. I'd walk in another direction or the other side of the street.

Answer 3

I'm not sure where you are walking. If it's in a residential neighborhood, and there are no leash laws, my only suggestion would be walking different streets in the neighborhood. Or a local park, the loose dog ratio should be less there.

My dogs do not run free, by any means, and live inside, but if they are in our fenced yard, and see someone walking, they bark. It's because they are trying to protect their family, and they're just reminding you that they are around. I can usually get them to stop, but I agree with the poster above, I want them to alert me to strangers nearing my property. Not that I trained them to do so, but it's a nice plus.

But it's not so much a control issue, as it is a territory issue.

If these people are letting the dogs wander without a leash, they are free to determine any radius as their territory, and will behave accordingly.

Answer 4

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aL4NR

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 5

There are a couple things you can do: Have the owner walk in another direction, or place the dog in a sit, stay position and move off the walkway. For yourself, carry a small bottle of vinegar in a spray bottle, if a dog comes near you spray him with it. He will run off. The vinegar won't hurt you or the dog and is more humane than mase or pepper spray. When walking my dog I always have her sit and stay when I see a person or another dog approaching. I agree with you, owners know their dogs but others do not and dogs should be trained to have some manners.

Answer 6

and nor should you have to put up with it William! I just wish that more dog owners would get their dogs into town! I know that a nice country walk is better than spending time in town but it is necessary if you want a dog to take everything in it's stride. It is called environmental training and is so easy to do as long as you start it GRADUALLY with a young pup. A bus, for example , can look gi-normous when you are right next it. but from three handred yards away it becomes .... bus? .... what Bus? A few times of doing that and you can GRADUALLY move closer. I believe that a well adjusted dog is what all people should aim for and is easily attainable with effort..

Answer 7

I know what you mean. I understand where you are coming from and I don't like it at all when dogs do it to me and my dog either. Though I must admit my dog does it too. I have tried and tried to train her not to do it, but we got her when she was 5, so I don't know if she was abused. She barks or growls at rollerbladers going really fast by and teenagers playing hockey (especially if they are making alot noise) I usually send an apologetic glance their way or say sorry. I do try to verbally and sometimes physically repriand her though. But I know a few that just drive my crazy! Their dogs look like they are going to kill me and my dog and the owners just laugh. I live in Canada too, and I maybe will have a chat with fellow dog owners to control her their dogs to innocent passer byers. I didn't know it disturbed so many people, so thanks for making me aware of that.

Answer 8

man i understand that. Obviously you are frustrated at the owners of such rowdy and vicious dogs. Maybe you could make a big deal in court (so not advised) Or start walking somewhere more peaceful, like at a trail somewhere nearby, or take a different route around the dog owners.
You will never be able to force owners to train their dogs to be less roughly, but you can try and improvise around the situation.
good luck
and i am proud of you keeping yourself in good shape
♥

Answer 9

Well, I guess this is a matter of opinion on who has what rights. I WANT my dogs to bark when strangers approach my property, that's part of why I have dogs - to alert me to intruders. HOWEVER - I live in the country, have a very large yard and there are rarely walkers on my street, when there are, they are usually lost or up to no good.

You aren't going to be able to insist that all your neighbors train their dogs to not bark at walkers, BUT, you can probably train most of the dogs to not bark at YOU if you walk by regularly.

Get some inexpensive, small, hard, dog biscuits or training treats and hand them out on your regular walks. If the dogs look really agressive toss them to land just in front of the dog rather than handing them over. I successfully trained my neighbors dog to stop barking at me by tossing him small healthy treats over the fence when I was working in my yard way up back. Now he just stands there wagging his tail waiting for his treat. I have another neighbor who walks regularly who has dog friends all over town due to this strategy.

Take note that some people object to folks giving their dogs treats. You can do your best to minimize this objection by giving them only TINY treats (less than 1" cubed mass) by being sure the treats are MADE for dogs and by giving them somewhat discreetly. Never give a non-owner approved treat to a dog that looks ill, injured or extremely elderly, although this is not likely much risk because those dogs probably won't be barking at you. Never give them human food as treats, for many dogs this can upset their tummies, cause the runs and get the owners mad.

Best wishes and good luck!

Answer 10

its like training a human not to talk its possible but not gonna happen fast. dogs are gonna bark. just keep walkin buddy. lol listen to music while u walk. then u cant hear them most owners would tell their pet to stop and behave. its just the dogs way of telling everyone that u are there. usaully they dont bite. i've ben bit by many dogs. Dont run away stay away from the face. if they start to pull away dont move to the dog and try to pet ti leave ti alone. lol growling is not good. (only in the bed room) lol jp. but just keep on your path and just do what ur doing.