Last updated on April 13th, 2021 at 10:31 pm
Ahh, the joys of nature, with her picturesque views and meditative calm. You’ve bought all the gear, the back seat protector, hiking shoes, even a special leash. Expecting your dog to behave, you head into the great outdoors with hope. Alas, the trip that follows is less than perfect. For some pups, barking at other dogs, running animals, or seemingly nothing is the best part of the trail. Hiking with a dog that barks is unsettling and embarrassing, but it can be easily resolved.
Before heading out for your hike, pack some treats and bring a leash. Training your dog to stay close and respect your command is important. Whether he’s alerting you to potential danger or has pent up energy to unleash, your dog is speaking in his own language. By learning his needs and acknowledging stimuli, you’re well on your way to a happy hike.
What Can Get Your Dog to Bark on a Hike?
Dogs will bark at anything, but this stimuli is usually triggered by the excitement or fear of:
- Noises
- New dogs
- Small prey
- Strangers
If he wasn’t socialized as a puppy or is often left alone, any of the above can become fear-aggression triggers. In the event that your dog presenting signs of actual aggression, thorough training may be in order. If he shows his teeth while growling or his tail moves from neutral to alert and stiff, you may have more than just a noisy dog.
Trail Etiquette When It Comes to Dog Barking
There are a few acceptable things you can do while on a hike to respect strangers and nature.
While other groups or dogs are walking by, it’s good trail etiquette to keep a short leash. Additionally, it can be helpful to stop, step to the side and allow others to pass.
On the trails, keeping your dog on a leash is important, especially if he barks. Excitable dogs are more likely to run into the forest in search of their query. By keeping your pup on a leash, you’re able to keep his focus on the task at hand.
How to Get Your Dog to Stop Barking While Hiking
There isn’t one specific way to stop your dog from barking on the trails. Because barking is a natural form of communication, it’s a way to for him to convey many different feelings.
Shouting will not work, it will create either a recoiling and defensive dog, or one that barks louder.
Whichever method, start easy and don’t give up, there are so many different techniques you can employ.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Sometimes training may be difficult if not started as a puppy. However, if your dog is still able to hit the trails, he’s not too old to train.
Reward based training yields better results than aversive methods (negative reinforcement).
Some training regimens include standing off to the trail’s side before passersby are seen. While doing so, stand between people and your pup to promote focus. As strangers and their dogs pass, maintain contact and reward him with praise or treats while he’s being quiet.
Additionally, when your dog sees a stranger and doesn’t bark, reward him with a treat (before she’s able to start alerting you). Or direct him to look at someone and reward him with a treat before he’s able to react poorly.
Early socialization with other dogs and people is the key to a happy dog on the trails. However, additional training will be needed if their early life stage was out of your control.
Thank Them for Letting You Know
Most of the time, your dog is barking to alert you of something nearby. Whether it’s another family or a squirrel 300 feet away, your pup is trying to tell you something.
If typical training methods aren’t working, you may consider accepting his help in spotting said family approaching.
Sometimes a simple, ‘thank you max,’ and a pat on the head can tell your pup that you acknowledge their hard work. This can be an easy way of saying, ‘I see the threat, it’s ok, thank you.’
Stimulate His Mind
One very important piece of the puzzle is the amount of time your pup is left alone during the day. A bored or lonely dog is more likely to have excess energy and emotions out on the trails.
Look for toys to stimulate his curiosity and problem solving during the day, take him to work, or hire a dog walker. All of these can help your dog behave when he’s in nature and around strangers.
Avoidance of Other Dogs and People
Training is highly rewarding for both you and your dog, however sometimes it just too much. If you’re looking for a quiet walk in the park, sometimes the road less traveled is best. Taking your dog to less populated trail can the peaceful experience you’re looking for.
Harnesses that Discourage Barking
As mentioned earlier, rewards based training will always yield better, long lasting, and superior psychological results.
However, some owners consider bark collars or shock collars for their pups in certain circumstances. These are not recognized as appropriate training tools by behaviorists, but sound worse than they may actually be.
A small warning beep may be all that’s needed to warn your pup when it’s not the time to bark. However, these results are highly variable dog to dog.
Nonetheless, you may actually be confusing your pup. She may think the signaling is coming from external forces and not from your own hands. This may further root her fear in those outside stimuli. Shock collars may create more of a barking problem when anxieties are reinforced in this manner (source).
If all other methods fail, it may be advisable to take your pup to the vet for a checkup. Barking can be a result of something internal or psychological. Furthermore, your veterinarian can recommend a good behaviorist.
Some Breeds are More Vocal
Some dogs have been specifically bred to bark more than others. Breeds raised to scare prey during the hunt, herd livestock, or used as guard dogs tend to be more vocal. The first step in controlling your dog’s behavior is to understand his language. What he’s barking at and why can be very helpful knowledge. Dogs that are specifically more vocal are: Beagles, Chihuahuas, Terriers, Huskies, German Shepherds, Schnauzers and Shelties.
While these dogs may be predisposed to bark, learning why can help. Keep their minds stimulated, exercise them regularly, and kindly acknowledge their alerts. It’s just a part of who they are.
Get Your Dog, Have a Plan, and Get Hiking!
Now that you know you aren’t alone, head to the trails in confidence. Whether you’re thinking of starting an entire training program or planning to just take your pooch off to the side, hikes should be fun. Find a good leash, a treat pouch, and map out your trek. People are usually quite forgiving if you’re kind and courteous on the trails. Rest assured that you don’t look like a bad dog parent if you’re actually trying.
Image Credit: Brian Gonzalez| (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) — reduced file size and image
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