How to stop your dog rushing and barking at strangers

If your dog tends to run up to strangers barking loudly, this can cause discomfort or fear for others around. It’s important to manage this behaviour to ensure your dog respects others' space and remains safe and well-mannered in public.

Addressing this behaviour not only improves your dog’s social skills but also allows you the freedom to let them off the lead confidently in enclosed or safe areas.

Why do dogs run up and bark at strangers?

There are commonly two reasons:

• Over-excitement and friendliness: Your dog may be thrilled by meeting new people and wants to play or say hello enthusiastically.
• Poor socialisation or fear: Alternatively, your dog may have had limited positive experiences with strangers and might see them as a threat, leading to defensive barking.

Understanding the reason helps inform how you train your dog to react better in social situations.

Interim safety measures when walking your dog

Until your dog’s behaviour improves, take steps to keep everyone safe and comfortable:

• Always walk your dog on a lead in public places. A retractable lead can offer some freedom while maintaining control.
• Only allow your dog off the lead in well-secured areas with no strangers present.
• If using a dog park popular only with dog owners, speak to others beforehand to ensure no one is fearful of your dog.

Steps to socialise your dog to strangers

Proper socialisation is key to helping your dog develop calm, positive responses to new people:

1. Invite trusted friends over to meet your dog calmly at home and in the garden, allowing your dog to acclimatise to new faces in a safe environment.
2. Walk your dog on the lead in quiet streets where you can say hello to neighbours and passers-by gradually and calmly.
3. Spend time in dog-friendly areas such as dog parks where your dog can observe and interact calmly with other dogs and their owners.
4. Use controlled introductions with different people to provide varied social experiences.

Retraining your dog to focus on you during walks

Refining your dog’s focus and recall will help prevent unwanted barking and rushing behaviour:

1. Start training on lead walks by rewarding your dog with treats every few minutes to keep their attention on you, despite distractions.
2. When spotting a stranger approaching, encourage your dog to look at you by speaking soothingly and offering extra treats for turning attention away from the stranger.
3. If your dog starts barking, lunging, or pulling towards someone, do not punish but calmly change direction to remove the stimulus and reward the calm behaviour.
4. Gradually reduce the distance at which you change direction as your dog becomes calmer around strangers.
5. Continue to practice recall off the lead where safe, rewarding your dog generously when they come back promptly.

Additional advice for lasting success

Training your dog to greet strangers politely takes time and patience. Consistency is vital, as is using positive reinforcement instead of punishment. Avoid scolding as it may increase anxiety or excitement.

By building your dog’s confidence around people and rewarding positive behaviour, you foster a trusting relationship, enriching both your life and social outings.

If your dog continues to struggle, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviourist to develop a tailored plan.

Responsible dog ownership includes ensuring your dog’s behaviour is appropriate in community spaces, respecting others and keeping all interactions safe and enjoyable.

For those looking to welcome a new dog into their home, finding a well-socialised puppy from reputable breeders or considering adoption can provide a great start to positive training and socialisation.