When a small dog barks at other dogs do they frighten them off or are you responsible for their disappearance? Well, you are not alone. After observing, many small dog owners noticed that their little fur ball became a barking machine the moment any other dog came into sight. So why is that? But can you prevent your small dog from barking at other dogs? Stopping the bark takes some techniques to follow.

Some of you may think it’s cute at first or that maybe your small dog is just trying to get the bigger dog’s attention but then ENTER HISSING GROWL. All this over barking or growling can get very tiring for you and your dog. So why is that? This blog post explains why small dogs act like this and gives you some tips on how to socialize your little dog so that they can both stay calm when near other dogs.

Why Small Dogs Bark or Growl at other dogs

But for starters, you need to know why your small dogs bark or growl at other dogs. You should first identify why these behaviors show up, so you can adequately address it.

Here are few common reasons:

1. Fear or Anxiety:

The sniping and barking is often small dogs syndrome coming from a place of anxiety, or fear due to their size.  This action is just their way of hiding to make themselves appear more frightening. Smaller dogs can find the presence of other large dogs intimidating and they even feel threatened. This means that they are much more likely to be preemptively defensive which can express itself through barking or growling.

Their goal is to scare away potential threats before those threats have a chance to hurt them.   This reactive behavior is their way of creating space and maintaining a sense of control in situations where it makes them uncomfortable.

Small dogs that suffered from a bad experience in the past with some other dogs might feel fearful and anxious when he/she encounters other dogs.  Dogs can remember negative experiences such as when they get startled, overwhelmed, and of course get hurt by other dogs.  Their fear will arise when they feel they are encountering a same or similar situation.   This anxiety can be worsened by non-socialization when they are little. 

Dogs which have not been socialized in a variety of different situations, with lots of people and animals may very well find new experiences quite scary, the way they respond to this is often only by barking or growling. This is a defensive reaction, not an offensive one or in aggression, but more from inadequacy when you feel threatened.

2. Territorial Behavior:

Dogs are territorial by nature, and therefore your little puppy sees dogs as a potential threat to their space. It doesn’t even have to be your home, maybe a sidewalk you’re walking down. This behavior often seems to be more prevalent amongst smaller breeds who feel they must make up for their tiny little bodies by barking and carrying on. 

It is their nature to defend whatever they consider as belonging to them. They are VERY territorial over their house, yard or even walking route.  When other dogs enter what they see as “their” territory, they may react aggressively to assert dominance and ward off any perceived intrusion. 

Barking and growling is how they tell other dogs that this area belongs to them and they are prepared to fight for it. If the dog feels they have a particularly close connection to one human, it may become increasingly intense about keeping other dogs at bay as now that he has identified them not only as an intruder in his territory but also a potential threat for their beloved owner. When this happens, their barking or growling is a protective response, and as an attempt to retain ownership over their proximity by making other dogs to stay away.

3. Lack of Socialization:

Small dogs who have not been properly socialized often bark or growl the most because they do not know how to act in these situations and are uncomfortable with other dogs. Proper exposure to other animals is crucial for dogs, especially when they are young in order to socialize them correctly. However, when a small dog has not had many positive experiences with other dogs, he/she will feel anxious, unsure, or even scared in front of them.  They tend to respond with barking and growling when they think they will get hurt.

The lack of socialization can also lead to misunderstandings between dogs. Basically, little dogs raised without interacting with other animals during their formative stages may simply never learn “dog”. Signals such as a friendly invitation with the other dog wagging their tail relaxed or playing bow, may even be seen as a threat instead of an inbuilt way to say  “Hello.”  The small dog barks or growls to protect itself, not recognizing that the large dog may mean no harm.

Small dogs that were not properly socialized can be easily scared of larger animals or in new and/or crowded places like dog parks or busy streets. These scenarios full of new sights, smells and sounds can heighten this feeling of small dog insecurity which may cause them to bark or growl in order to deal with the pressure. That kind of reactive behavior can often become a vicious cycle.

However, this trend can be stopped by providing proper socialization. Within limits, exposing small dogs to other pooches in a controlled and friendly environment should help them come out of their shells so they understand that being around another dog is not an inherently bad thing. Through repeated exposures under controlled circumstances, they may no longer have any opinion of interactions with other dogs at all or even find them enjoyable enough that barking and growling are unnecessary.

4. Excitement:

Small dogs will sometimes bark and growl not from fear or aggression, but out of OVER exuberance!!! For example, they may become so overly excited to meet another dog that all ‘rules of politeness’ go out the window whenever your dog is around other dogs (especially during walks or when in a play session). They may experience this excitement as barking, (non-aggressive) growling, etc.

No, it is their way of signaling much like a voice saying HEY I see you! Let’s play!” Smaller dogs emit these sounds usually when they are seeking attention or wanting to communicate with another dog. The thing with excitement-based barking is that other dogs and owners can easily call it aggression. If the other dog is more reserved or calm, perhaps an overly enthusiastic small dog can be overwhelming.

This behavior can create misunderstanding, where your dog wants to play and the other dog thinks it’s a threat and may react negatively.  By learning to identify when your small dog is simply barking out of excitement and helping your small dog to learn how to handle it, will make for a much smoother social process.

5. Protective Instincts:

Little dogs can form very deep bonds with their owners and become extremely territorial. In those situations, they are often protective and will bark/growl at other dogs when they feel the need to guard their owner and their home.  

 If your small dog begins to bark or growl at another approaching pup, it could be because they see the other animal as a threat to you. Puppy is basically telling the other dog to back  off and that he has your back, so no worries.  If your small dog begins to bark or growl at another dog that is approaching, it could be that your dog sees the other animal as a threat to you.  This behavior is their way to warn other dogs to stay away and letting you know that they’re on alert to defend you if necessary.

The protective instinct in a small dog that has bonded with its owner or family is off the scales. They simply might have been conditioned to feel it’s their duty to protect the pack, even if the threat isn’t real.  For example, when you are walking your small dog and your small dog starts to growl at any dog that comes near you, as they see themselves as your protector. 

While oftentimes displaying heroic characteristics, this can also lead to picking fights with other dogs. If you can recognize this behavior as an expression of protectiveness, it will also be easy to work out ways to train your tiny dog not to always have the need to protect ‘their human’, i.e., all small dogs, that include most Chihuahuas do.

Once you find out what is driving your precious dog, then it will be easier to use a correct training approach.

Essential Training Practices to train Small Dogs not to Mark and Growl at Other Dogs.

You will need consistency and patience to train any dog.  It is not an overnight success, your small dog will learn over time to be calm and collected around other dogs. 

1. Basic obedience training

Before you tackle the issue of your dog barking at other dogs, it’s important to make sure your small dog has a solid foundation in his/her basic obedience commands.  Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” are not only essential for safety, but those commands help to establish you as the alpha in your dog’s mind. 

• Start Practicing: Try these commands in different scenarios, working into more distractions as your dog becomes better at listening. Begin inside, then step out into the yard and ultimately to places with other dogs.
• Why It Works: When your dog understands basic commands, you can redirect their attention away from other dogs before he/she has a chance to bark or growl at them.  It also acts as a bonding time between you and your dog. Your small dog will look towards you for instruction instead of reacting on his/her own.

2. Desensitization and Counterconditioning

To help your small dog reduce their barking and growling due to fear, desensitization and counterconditioning are two most effective ways. 

• Desensitization: Slowly introduce your small dog to other dogs in a controlled way.  Starting at a distance where your small dog doesn’t feel threatened seeing other dogs and gradually reduce the distance as they become more comfortable with other dogs around.
• Counterconditioning: This method is to change your small dog’s emotional response to other dogs by associating them with something positive, like treats or praising them when they see and socialize with other dogs in a calm fashion.  Over time, they will learn to connect other dogs with positive experiences rather than something that makes them bark or growl. 
• Getting Started: Start walking your dog farther away from other dogs, where she can see them but remains under threshold. Provide treats or verbal praise for calm behavior. SLOWLY decrease the distance over time as your dog gets more comfortable.

3. Teach the “Quiet” Command

Teaching your dog the “quiet” command before they even begin barking or growling can be a godsend.

• How to start: the next time your dog barks, you say “quiet” in a firm but calm voice. As soon as your small dog stops barking, even for a second, reward him/her with a small treat.  Overtime, your dog will learn that staying quiet leads to a reward.  
• Why it Works:  This is a great command to use when you are trying to stop your dogs barking at other animals and other aspects of misbehavior. So rather than focusing on the perceived threat, it forces their attention to you and the reward instead.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

The most common mistakes dog owners make is punishing their dog for barking or growling. When your dog barks at another dog, the immediate reaction is to scold at him/her. This can actually increase anxiety and make the behavior worse. 

• What To Do Instead: Use positive reinforcement-ish principles of marking calmness with high value rewards (food, toys or your voice). If your dog catches sight of another dog and doesn’t bark or stops barking in less than a few seconds, praise the heck your dog. This helps to instill that you prefer the calm choice.

5. Redirect Attention

The reality is sometimes the best way to prevent your dog from barking or growling before it occurs, is to divert your dog’s attention to what will trigger these behaviors.  This is where “Look at me” or “Focus” command comes in handy.

• How you can Start: First, practice this command at home.  Hold a treat near your face and say “look at me.”  Reward your dog when they actually make eye contact with you in lieu of looking at the treat. Once your dog mastered this command, you can use this command to distract your dog’s attention when another dog is nearby.   
• Why It Works: When you ask your dog to focus on you it shifts their attention away from the other dog and gives them something else to think about. This can be quite handy if you are walking in the midst of many other dogs.

6. Gradually controlled exposure meet-ups

Often your little dog will benefit from more exposure to other dogs in a calm, controlled environment.

• Schedule Playdates: Schedule some playtime with a well-behaved, laid-back dog known to be non-reactive. This way your puppy can socialize with another dog in an environment where they will not become overly stimulated.
• Small Dog Group Class: Participate in a small dog group class or socialization session. This gives the dog a controlled environment to be exposed to other dogs and learn how to socialize in an appropriate manner.

7. Manage the Environment

Sometimes you can prevent reactive barking by strategically setting up your dog’s environment.

• Avoid Triggers: If your dog will bark at other dogs in certain situations (often this is when the sidewalk gets narrow, or you’re on a crowded park trail), make an effort to avoid these areas until your dog is more comfortable around other dogs. 
• Block the View: If you are walking your small dog in an area where other dogs are present, try to use barriers such as cars, trees, brushes, or benches to block your dog’s view of other dogs if your dog starts to react.

8. Stay Calm and Patient

It’s important to remain calm and patient during the training process.  Your dog is very intuitive and can sense how you feel.  Your dog can pick up on your emotions.  If you’re anxious and frustrated, your dog will sense that and may become more reactive to your commands. 

• What to Do: Breathe deep and stay cool, if your dog is barking or growling. The calmer you are, the more likely your pooch will settle down too.

Consistency is Key

While training little dogs not to bark or growl at other canines, it will require some investment and exertion from you. Your dog will learn faster with your calm behavior toward him/her..  The more consistent you are with training, the quicker your dog will learn that calm behavior is what you expect. Also, make sure that everyone in your household is consistent with the training approach.  If one person is letting the dog bark while another tries to teach them not too it’ll confuse your pup and take longer.

When to Call the Pros

If your dog is seriously barking or growling, however, and you have already attempted these methods without success, it may be time to contact a professional. Professional advice and support from a dog trainer or behaviorist are also some ways you can get more help to ensure success for you and your canine.

Conclusion

Training a small dog not to bark or growl at other dogs is totally possible.  This involves working on basic obedience, desensitization and redirects your dog’s attention to something positive.  You can help your dog to feel more comfortable and calm around other dogs with consistent and calm training.  Remember each dog will learn at his/her own pace, try not to rush things as it will have negative results.  Just be patient, keep up with it and do yourself a favor, celebrate those smaller victories along the way!