Barking & reactivity

Barking is communication. Before trying to stop it, it helps to work out what your dog is trying to say. Common reasons include alerting you to something (the doorbell or passers-by), worry or fear, frustration (wanting to reach something), boredom, and wanting attention.

Reactivity usually means a dog who barks, lunges or growls at specific triggers such as other dogs, people or traffic. Many reactive dogs are worried or frustrated, not “aggressive” by nature.

Kind first steps

1. Work out the trigger and the distance at which your dog starts to react.
2. Add distance. Cross the road, turn around or step behind a parked car. A dog who is over their threshold can’t learn.
3. Pair the trigger with good things. At a distance where your dog can notice the trigger but stay calm, feed tasty treats while it’s in view, and stop when it’s gone.
4. Meet needs at home. Sniffing walks, chews and puzzle feeders help with boredom barking. Window film or moving a sofa can reduce “guard duty” barking.

Please avoid

Punishment-based “fixes” (shouting, spraying, shock or citronella collars). They may suppress barking, but they don’t change how your dog feels and can make fear worse.

When to get help

Reactivity is one of the areas where professional help really pays off. Look for a qualified behaviourist on the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) registers, and ask your vet to rule out pain. Pain can make dogs more reactive.