How to train my dog to stop barking and lunging at other dogs?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Male | neutered | 25 lbs
My Mother's dog is a 2 year old Boston Terrier. He is amazing with people, he is so gentle and loves to cuddle, but when it comes to other dogs, not so much. We have a 3 year Boston Terrier and a 13 year old Daschund that he gets along with amazing, but when other dogs walk by the house or come into the backyard and he can see them, he goes nuts! On walks, he barks and growls. We have tried to introduced him to other dogs and he is fine for a little and then the switch flips and he attacks, HELP
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 15th, 2018
This is really tricky. Many training groups offer classes for Reactive Dogs that can help. Make sure they use positive only training, no force or punishments. The basic steps to working on this are minimizing chances for an encounter, teaching him a behavior that is incompatible with going nuts (such as watching you and eating a treat), and then SLOWLY SLOWLY SLOWLY introducing him to other dogs (you really need a good trainer to help with this portion, you have to go so slow it's painful). I would recommend not allowing him to be outside by himself so that you can remove him if he starts to bark - you may even need to keep a leash on him so you can easily get him and calmly go inside. In short, this is a common and real, but very hard to resolve issue, so I'd encourage you to find an amazing trainer or even have a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 28th, 2017
I am sorry that Bea is barking too much. First of all rest assured that this is a common problem for puppies, and Bea is still considered a puppy. Unfortunately the tactic of yelling or stomping at Bea won't help the problem, as he will think that you are merely joining in the activity of "make loud noises at the door." It actually can contribute to the behaviour. This is the tactic I recommend though it may seem funny you have to start by Teaching your dog the "quiet" command. Give Bea the command to "speak." Then wait for him to bark two or three times, and reward him with a treat in front of his nose and verbal praise. When he stops barking to sniff the treat, praise him and give him the treat. Repeat this many times until he starts barking as soon as you say "speak." Once your Bea can reliably bark on command, move on to teaching him the "quiet" command. In a calm environment with no distractions, tell him to "speak." Then when she starts to bark, say "quiet" and stick a treat in front of his nose. Next Praise her for being quiet and give her the treat. Here is an Example of how this will work when someone is at the door; When the doorbell rings, your dog alerts you to the presence of an "intruder" by barking very loud and repeatedly. After you've taught your dog the command "quiet" in a calm environment, practice in increasingly distracting situations. Do this until your dog can immediately stop barking when asked to, even when that "intruder" arrives at the door. I would suggest reading this article and keeping it as a reference as you move forward with your training. I wanted to share this article with you: http://www.petcoach.co/article/why-does-my-dog-bark-so-much/
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 17th, 2017
I would begin to change this behavior by taking him out onto the deck on a leash when you're sure no one is around. I assume he'll be quiet because there's no one to bark at. Tell him "Quiet! Good boy!" and give him a treat. Repeat a few times, then bring him right back indoors (this exercise is independent of his relieving himself). Do this several times a day. When you are ready to test him with a dog or animal around, start to say "Quiet" and treat as soon as you step out the door, before he has noticed anyone to bark at. As long as he remains quiet, keep up the praise and treats. If he begins to bark, return him to the house immediately. Ignore the barking, or else you'll get into a "voice battle" with him (he barking and you yelling). Once he learns that he'll get treats and praise if he's quiet, but nothing if he's not, he should start to behave. If you need additional assistance, you can click on the prompt to initiate a consult.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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