We all have come through this!

An individual and a dog walking in the street dog spots another dog on the road and start lunging and barking. In few seconds, your dog started to look as if she/he wants to eat everyone walking along in the path.

In a second, the owner tries to calm his/her dog. If you own a dog that barks and lunges at other dogs are pretty humiliating. Professionals call this problem 'reactivity,' which is an expected behavior seen in dogs. 

Let’s take a step back, and find out the probable reasons for this behavior.

In the majority of cases, the answer is fear!

There is no aggression, stubbornness, fieriness. It's just fear!

One of the few reasons is that your dog wasn't socialized in the early weeks. Additionally, it might be possible that your dog had a bad experience, which has resulted in colored perceptions towards other dogs. Or, maybe your dog behaves just the way it is!

If your dog is frightened over something, and you frighten her more, this will worsen the matter.

As an individual, you might have a list of fears, which you are trying to overcome. So, it is with your pet dog!

Read on to know about the tips and tricks. This might help you to stop your dog from lunging and barking!

1.     Get out of the problem:

The easiest and obvious way is to opt for management techniques. When you see another dog approaching, turn back and go another way across the street. Don't wait for the other owner to turn around instead of avoiding your dog from performing the reactive behavior.

Additionally, the other tip you can try to distract your dog is to stand still in front of your dog when he notices many dogs. Plus, treat your dog nicely in front of other dogs. Give your extra special dog treats.

In case your dog started to bark, don't come closer. Stand five feet apart, and be patient. In general, if you come close to it too fast, you may find your dog backsliding.

2.     Call your dog up:

Dogs require a reason to come to you.  Try to catch your dog's attention, and start calling your pet dog's name.  You can opt for an unusual noise too. When your dog looks at you, try to run backward while facing your pet. It is a fun game, and you will be able to watch your dog while distracting from barking and lunging.

3.     Try to be unpredictable:

When you are out on a walk, try to change your pace and direction. Go slow, then speed up and rotate yourself next. Run around trees, jump on the bench, and off again. Your dog doesn't have an idea what this crazy person will do next.  Thus, all his attention is on you instead of out there.

It is not easy to live with a reactive dog. It cannot be very comfortable. However, you love your dog, and this all that matters. Try to help your dog with the above techniques, and let us know which one of these works the best for you!

Author’s Bio:

Name: Sarah Walker

Short Intro: Sarah Walker has owned many pets in the past many years. Having been surrounded by furry friends for most of her teenage and adult life, she is not only knowledgeable but taking care of pet dogs and feeding them is exceptionally close to her heart.

Founder of dogfooddesire.com