How to Stop Dogs From Running & Barking at People

Dog owners know how annoying it can be when a dog barks and/or chases people. It is also embarrassing, as it can make you appear to be a bad pet owner to acquaintances. If your dog misbehaves in this manner, you don't have to put up with it any longer. By following a few tips on how to discipline your dog appropriately, you will train your dog to behave sooner rather than later.

Instructions

  1. Running

    • 1

      Place your dog in a controlled environment, such as your fenced backyard or living room. Put the dog on its leash and stand next to it.

    • 2

      Place the dog's favorite toy in front of its face. Throw the toy and give the dog an "off" command (such as telling the dog to "stay"). If the dog starts to chase the toy, gently tug on the leash and repeat the "off" command. Once the dog stops chasing the toy, reward it with a treat.

    • 3

      Perform this exercise three to five times per day until the dog stops chasing the toy. As the exercises continue, gently wean the dog from treats, making sure it won't chase the toy even if it does not get a treat.

    • 4

      Take the dog to a new place, such as a community park. Throw the toy and make sure the dog does not chase the toy. If it does, go through the lessons again until it knows that even though it's in a different environment, the lesson still applies.

    Barking

    • 5

      Say a word in a tone you want to associate with making your dog cease barking. Say an "off" word (such as "stop") in a normal, non-shouting voice. If you live with other people, they must also use this word in the same tone when they want the dog to stop barking.

    • 6

      Give your dog a treat every time you say the "off" word and it stops barking. Over time, slowly stop giving your dog treats and instead reward it with petting and praise.

    • 7

      Create situations that may make your dog bark, such as jumping around the room or having two children play loudly in the room. When the dog barks, say your "off" word in the tone you use for that voice to make it stop barking. Repeat this process until the dog learns barking is not allowed. Once the dog minds you, reward it.