How to cope if your dog is barking and lunging at other dogs

16 April 2025

Being on the other end of the leash when a dog is barking and lunging can be painful stressful and upsetting.


People may be reactive themselves and tell you to get your dog under control, or huff and puff at you and your dog.


While we can’t control the actions of other people, we can control what we do.


It may be that you are unsure how to react if this happens and what to do. I’ll talk through the steps and options below.


What to do if your dog is barking and lunging on the other end of the lead

 

You will be much more in control if you have the right walking equipment, so invest in a well fitting harness that your dog cannot back out of – a 3 point harness can be good for this. It also means that pressure is not being applied to your dog’s sensitive neck area. Be sure that the lead you have is right for your dog’s weight and there is no fraying. Lead sleeves that say training in progress can reduce unwanted dogs coming over.

 

It is easier said than done but remember to breathe!


Using graduated prompts such as coughing and shuffling your feet can encourage a dog to move on if they are freezing and going over threshold.


Have licki mats or kongs ready in the car so that your dog can focus on them rather than barking out of the window.


Essential body language signs

 

A dog may show a variety of signs before they bark.


Body language signs can include:


·     Lip licking

·     Hackles raised (look for fur on the feet for fluffier dogs)

·     Tension and freezing

·     Paw up

·     Whale eye – showing the whites of their eyes

·     A dog can also use displacement activities such as sniffing the ground (in a way saying I’m no threat)


Thinking about locations that you walk


Really consider how you can avoid narrow spaces and locations as this can make a dog feel trapped. In areas you walk, think about the different exit points there are.


What to do if an off lead dog is approaching yours


Attempt to do a U-Turn out of the situation.


Saying that your dog is sick or poorly can get people to act more quickly.


Throwing down a toy to distract the other dog may help.


Here are some books that I like regarding reactivity


BAT 2.0 by Grisha Stewart


Doggie Language by Lili Chin


Here is some equipment and accompanying websites on introducing a muzzle. A muzzle helps keep everyone safe and can help you relax more on walks.


One  link is an affiliate link meaning if you click through and buy I will be paid a small commission. This doesn’t affect the price you pay.


Muzzle Up Movement Muzzles.


Here is an excellent site to introduce muzzles.


If you enjoyed this post and found it helpful you may like to read this blog too.

Barking At Night

by Lisa Sinnott • 24 June 2026
A dog barking at night can feel frustrating and annoying – you know they need sleep and you need it too.

10 things you may not know about dog aggression

by Lisa Sinnott • 15 June 2026
Here is some information about aggression.

Understanding Dog Reactivity

by Lisa Sinnott • 12 June 2026
If your dog barks, lunges, growls, or becomes overwhelmed around other dogs, people, or situations, you're not alone. Reactivity is one of the most common challenges dog owners face, and understanding why it happens is the first step towards helping your dog feel calmer and more confident.

Helping your older dog if you are getting a puppy

by Lisa Sinnott • 3 June 2026
Initia l meetings are like first impressions.= they count. Make sure the interaction is away from the house and in a neutral space. When they initially see each other have a treat ready to give but allow them to just watch each other too. Having toys on the floor (if your older dog does not guard can help take the social pressure off. Walking parallel with each other with both dogs on lead can help reduce frustration. If they engage in play, it should be mirrored and matched - always avoid any teeth on body parts. Coming home Dogs shouldn't be right next to each other on the way home. Just like we like personal space on a tube dogs's want this too! Here are some ideas that I got from Canine Arthritis Management for older dogs: If there is a back seat cover for mud an anti not slippy cover is important. Bolsters and cushions can help prevent moving around Harnesses to keep still when you go around any roundabouts can help too. Ramps and steps to get out of the car to prevent lots of pressure on joints ie caravan steps can help too At home Having a safe space for your older dog that your puppy cannot access is key. Feeding times can be over exciting. Just like, us all, older dogs need some tlc. Here are some home adaptations that can help:

Guarding and Possessiveness

by Lisa Sinnott • 18 May 2026
Often people describe resource guarding and possessiveness over items when a dog has snapped or bitten.

Food and how it can be poisoned

by Lisa Sinnott • 14 May 2026
When we live with an anxious dog, it is natural to want to reassure them.

Why Muzzle Training is a Kind Thing To Do

by Lisa Sinnott • 7 May 2026
There can be many great reasons to muzzle train every dog , just in case they ever needed it. These include: 🐾Accidents and emergencies – if a dog is in pain they can be unpredictable sore and aggressive in an attempt to protect themselves. Placing a muzzle on them without any training before hand can stress them out even more and could mean treatment is delayed. This can happen with ANY dog even if they have never shown aggressive behaviour before. 🐾Summer – As you may have seen in the news, very sadly a dog attended a tulip festival and after eating some passed away. More people will be having picnics due to the lovely weather and we don’t want a stressful and expensive vet trip if your dog eats something. 🐾A change in behaviour – a muzzle keeps your dog, people and other dogs safe. 🐾Travel – Many ferries and countries have rules that dog’s must wear muzzles. There is also a good website here , that takes you through steps. I am going to host a muzzle training workshop - you can find out more here. Adapted from the Muzzle Up Movement.

Living with a reactive dog: how to look after yourself

by Lisa Sinnott • 21 April 2026
Having a dog who shows reactive behaviour can leave you feeling tired, on edge and emotionally exhausting experience at times. It is really important to look after yourself. I hope these ideas help you.

Dogs who are nervous of sounds

by Lisa Sinnott • 18 April 2026
Helping dogs who are nervous of sounds It can be really tricky and feel hard when your dog is feeling nervous of sounds that you do not have control over. They may freeze, startle, growl, try to flee, shake, drool or more. Here are some considerations if your dog is nervous of sounds. As well as the noise, there is the physical vibration too.

Fight behaviours

by Lisa Sinnott • 15 April 2026
Have you ever wondered that even if scared why a dog will run towards something? If a dog is barking and lunging at something that they are scared of then surely they would avoid it... right? This isn't always the case!