As The Snow Melts, Barking Returns: Why Many Dogs Struggle with Spring Walks

Barking is a normal form of communication for dogs, but when it’s directed toward other people and dogs on a walk, there's a problem. Excessive barking not only reveals an underlying struggle but can also negatively affect other people’s walks.

As the snow melts, trainers see a rapid increase in calls from owners whose dogs bark at people and other dogs on walks.

​In some cases, reactivity isn't a new behavior. In the winter, dogs don't always have as many opportunities to bark on walks because there are fewer people out. Unfortunately, the more opportunities dogs have to bark, the worse the behavior becomes without intervention.

Dogs Bark When They Are Barked At

Have you ever been out for a walk when another leashed dog barks excitedly at your dog? Many dogs will bark back. Up until that moment, the walk was as peaceful as the birds you could hear singing. Now, your grip on the leash is tighter, your dog is pulling, and you’re looking around, bracing yourself for the next big interruption. The worst part, it wasn’t even your dog’s fault.

The thing is, dogs are always communicating. Sometimes the quiet dog sets off the dog that barks first. It’s not that one is right and one is wrong. The other problem is that your dog is reading you. If you’re tense after the encounter, your dog will be more alert, too.

Training Skills That Reduce Dog Reactivity

When you notice another person and their dog while on a walk, asking your dog to walk at your side and pay attention to you, rather than staring at the other dog, can make a big difference for keeping both dogs cool and calm. If both handlers do that, it’s a whole lot easier to calmly move past each other.

READ MORE: More Dog Tips and Tricks for Wet Nose Wednesday

In a perfect world, you wouldn’t have to manage your dog’s behavior this closely, but you never know how other dogs will behave. Keeping your dog engaged when you have to move past another dog is a polite and simple way to avoid chaos. It takes practice, but it’s worth it.

For overly friendly dogs, bouncing at the end of the leash in an excited way can be overwhelming and inappropriate when walking past someone on a narrow sidewalk. Don’t assume everyone understands your dog’s friendly display.

You Don’t Always Need Other Dogs in Order to Train

You don’t have to wait until you’re face-to-face with another dog to begin teaching your dog to be polite on leash. Much of the work involves first training for reliable responses. There are skills you can work on with your dog at any time.

Training Skills That Reduce Dog Reactivity

One example is teaching what I call “flip.” This cue tells your dog to circle back to your side in one quick motion. If you’re out with your dog on a long leash and you notice another dog, you can quickly bring your dog close.

There are many more foundational skills you can begin training from the comfort of your home. Attention games where the dog checks in as distractions occur make a big difference. I also like to teach dogs how to turn quickly, hold a stay, and target a person’s hand with their nose, which is great for redirecting them.

Why Leash Handling Matters More Than You Think

Your own skills are just as important. One of those skills is leash handling. It’s not always easy. You have to make sure you have a solid hold so you don’t drop the leash, but you also have to remain relaxed without adding tension to the leash. Learning how to quickly adjust the leash length to keep your dog close as needed helps, too.

Get our free mobile app

If you want to be a pro at leash handling, use a pro-level leash. Leashes should be flexible so that they can be folded in your hands easily. It should be thick enough that it’s easy on your hands, but not so bulky that it’s difficult to manage. One small change: remove the poop bag holders from the leash. It’s much easier to manage a leash without anything dangling from it. Instead, you could clip the holder to yourself.

One way to work on leash skills is to practice without your dog. Work on adjusting the leash length, folding and releasing it, and keeping a strong grip without wrapping it around your hands.

Walks Should Be Enjoyable for You and Your Dog

Training your dog to walk politely can help make walks more enjoyable. It’s not about keeping your dog in a perfect heel position at your side the entire time. Your dog should be able to enjoy the walk, too.

How to Make Walks Calmer for Everyone

Being able to safely handle and manage your dog in public is a must. This starts with strong training foundations, clear communication, and the relationship you have with your dog. If you’re struggling with behaviors such as barking at other dogs and people, you should contact a professional trainer for a personalized plan.

Taking a dog out in the world is a big responsibility. You’re not just protecting your own dog, but making sure your dog doesn’t interfere with other people’s walks, either.