By Jackie Murphy G.Dip.ABM/ADAAB (Canine)/MISAP (beh)/MEST(QTLS)/ABTC-AAB/ABTC-ATI
One of the most common questions I get at Specialist Dog Training Kent is:
“Why does my dog bark at other dogs on walks?”
If your dog barks, lunges, growls, or becomes difficult to control when they see another dog, they may be showing what’s known as reactive behaviour.
This can feel stressful and embarrassing for owners, but it’s actually a very common problem. The good news is that with the right training and guidance, reactive behaviour can be significantly improved.
As a dog trainer and animal behaviourist working with owners across Kent, helping reactive dogs is one of the most common issues I support people with.
What Is a Reactive Dog?
A reactive dog is a dog that overreacts to certain triggers in their environment. The most common trigger I see during training sessions is other dogs while on the lead.
Reactive behaviour may include:
- Barking at other dogs
- Lunging on the lead
- Growling or snapping
- Fixating or staring intensely
- Pulling strongly toward or away from another dog
Many owners initially worry their dog is being aggressive, but in reality, the behaviour is often driven by fear, frustration, or a lack of confidence.
Why Dogs Bark at Other Dogs on Walks
When I work with dog owners across Kent, there are usually a few key reasons behind this behaviour.
Fear or Anxiety
Many reactive dogs are actually feeling nervous around other dogs.
Because they are on a lead and cannot move away freely, barking becomes their way of creating distance from the situation.
Frustration
Some dogs love other dogs but become frustrated when they cannot greet them.
The lead prevents them from approaching, and this frustration can quickly turn into barking or lunging.
Lack of Early Socialisation
Dogs that didn’t experience enough positive interactions with other dogs or the environment during puppyhood may struggle to feel confident around dog or in that environment later in life. This can cause them to react defensively on walks.
Previous Negative Experiences
If a dog has had a bad interaction with another dog in the past, they may start to anticipate that something negative will happen again. This anticipation can lead to reactive behaviour.
Early Signs Your Dog May Be Reactive
Some early warning signs I often see during training sessions include:
- Your dog becoming tense when another dog appears
- Fixating or staring at other dogs
- Pulling tightly on the lead
- Whining or growling
- Barking or lunging as the other dog approaches
Addressing these behaviours early can make a big difference.
What I Recommend for Reactive Dogs on Walks
While every dog is different, there are some key techniques I regularly work on with owners during training.
Increase Distance From Triggers
If your dog reacts strongly to other dogs, increasing distance can help them stay calmer.
Something as simple as crossing the road or moving to the side of the path can prevent your dog from becoming overwhelmed.
Build Engagement With Your Dog
One of the first things I focus on during training is helping the dog learn to pay attention to their owner during walks. When your dog is engaged with you, it becomes much easier to guide them through challenging situations. We teach lots of games around this.
Reward Calm Behaviour
When your dog sees another dog but remains calm, it’s important to reward that behaviour. This helps your dog begin to associate the presence of other dogs with something positive.
Avoid Punishing the Behaviour
Punishment can often increase anxiety and make reactivity worse. Instead, the goal is to build confidence and teach the dog alternative behaviours.
When Reactive Dog Training Can Help
If your dog is regularly barking or lunging at other dogs, professional behaviour and training can make a huge difference.
Through structured training sessions, I help owners:
- Understand why their dog is reacting
- Improve their dog’s focus on walks
- Reduce stress around other dogs
- Build calm and confident behaviour
Many of the dogs I work with across Kent and through into South-East London and Surrey initially struggled to pass other dogs calmly, but with the right training approach significant improvements are possible.
Final Thoughts
If your dog barks or lunges at other dogs on walks, you’re definitely not alone. It’s one of the most common issues dog owners’ experiences.
With patience, consistent training, and the right support, reactive dogs can learn to stay calmer and more relaxed around other dogs.
At Specialist Dog Training Kent, I work with many owners facing this exact challenge and help them rebuild confidence for both the dog and the owner.
Need Help With a Reactive Dog in Kent?
If your dog struggles with barking, lunging, or reacting to other dogs on walks, I offer professional dog training and behaviour support across Kent, South-East London and Surrey.
My goal is to help owners understand their dog’s behaviour and develop the skills needed to create calmer, more enjoyable walks.