Why Does My Puppy Bark & Go Crazy When She Sees Other Dogs?

Dogs are social creatures who communicate many things -- both to humans and to other animals -- through barking. A dog who goes crazy and barks when she sees other dogs may be feeling defensive, happy, scared or excited. Learning your dog̵7;s different barks can help you determine what her sounds and actions mean. It can also help you identify the best way to curb excessive or unwanted barking.

  1. Boredom

    • If your dog is kenneled, contained in a fence, or can see other dogs outside when she is inside, she may be barking and going crazy because she̵7;s bored or wants to play and interact. Dogs who are tied out may be especially susceptible to this type of barking because they are physically restrained from whatever is attracting their attention.

    Defense

    • A crazy barking dog may be trying to warn other dogs away from ̶0;her̶1; territory. Territory can be a yard, a toy, food or even a human companion. Dogs who are defensive barkers may not have been well-socialized to other animals as puppies, and could benefit from obedience training courses to get more comfortable around other dogs.

    Fear

    • Dogs can become agitated barkers when they sense a threat or are afraid. This many happen if they encounter a dog of substantially larger size, an aggressive or loud dog, or a dog they have had an altercation with in the past. For example, an unrestrained dog who comes barreling at your dog at the park can throw your pup into a frenzy of emotions.

    Excitement

    • Many dogs, especially young pups, go crazy and bark when they see other dogs because they consider it time to play. The barking and jumping is a way to get the attention of other animals. While this isn̵7;t usually a problem with mature or well-socialized dogs, incessant excited behavior can aggravate an aggressive dog.

    Hormones

    • If you have an unaltered dog who is near mating age, or if your dog is in the vicinity of an unaltered dog of the opposite sex who is near mating age, excited behavior can be a sign of sexual behavior. Keep an eye on this type of situation to avoid unintentional breeding.

    Handing Excessive Barking

    • Excessive barking can be alarming and it can aggravate neighbors and other nearby dogs. Excessive barking can be curbed through training, or by eliminating the factors that trigger the behavior. Consult your vet or a professional dog trainer for advice on the best way to proceed with your pup.