For this LA dog training session, we worked with Bobo, a 1-year-old mix, on an easy method to stop him from barking at people walking by their home. Knowing Bobo can be wary of strangers, we used a dog behaviorist trick for a successful introduction. By taking the time to set up the greeting, we ensured a positive outcome, and I recommended his guardians continue this approach when introducing Bobo to new people.
After Bobo and his housemate Martha became friendly, I reviewed several fundamental dog behavior training principles with their humans. They had already established a marker word but weren’t consistently using it. We reloaded the word and practiced hand targeting to improve their marker word timing. I also emphasized the importance of rewarding desired behaviors, a concept I call “Celebrating,” and shared tips on teaching dog manners, understanding dog consent, and reading body language. Creative exercise ideas, mental stimulation games like “cookie in the corner,” and the necessity of providing rules and structure for fearful or reactive dogs were also discussed.
Stopping Territorial Barking
One of the primary behavior problems the guardians sought assistance with was Bobo’s habit of barking at people passing by the house. This is a common issue for many dog owners. Many people mistakenly believe that verbally chastising a dog for barking will deter the behavior; however, it often has the opposite effect, increasing the likelihood of future barking. To effectively stop dog barking, it’s crucial to understand the underlying reason for the barking. Is the dog barking out of happiness, fear, or territoriality? Dogs bark for various reasons, and the most effective solution depends on the motivation behind the barking.
In Bobo’s case, his barking was territorial and alert-based, signaling his unease with people approaching his fence. To address territorial barking at passersby, the dog’s perception of these individuals needs to be shifted to a positive one. I demonstrated an effective technique to stop dogs from barking at people passing their homes, which is beneficial for any dog experiencing a barking problem. The key is to practice this method when you are prepared and in a controlled environment, rather than in the heat of the moment when the dog is already reacting.
By setting up the situation with a familiar person acting as a “stranger,” we can create a scenario where the dog is set up for success. Managing the distance between Bobo and the triggers (people walking by) and providing positive reinforcement when he remains quiet is essential. This helps the dog associate positive experiences with the presence of people near the home. When a dog feels positively about someone or something, they are less likely to bark. Therefore, transforming the perceived “threat” into a positive association is a highly effective strategy to stop dog barking.
I recommend Bobo’s guardians practice this training exercise two to three times daily for a period of three weeks. While habits take time to form, they can be corrected with consistent, successful practice. It’s also vital to avoid situations that allow the dog to practice the unwanted barking behavior.
Since Bobo can see through the fence, I suggested the guardians use a large banner or bamboo reed matting to partially block his view of people passing by. This visual barrier can be removed during practice sessions, allowing Bobo to practice the desired non-barking behavior while preventing him from rehearsing the barking behavior.
This was a rewarding session. Bobo is a character once you get to know him, and Martha is a true sweetheart. Their guardians are wonderful people, and helping them better understand and resolve their dog’s behavioral issues is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work. Given the comprehensive nature of this in-home LA dog training session, I recorded a summary video outlining the roadmap to success to help the guardians remember all the key points.
