Why do dogs bark at a certain person? A dog can bark at a person because they want attention, food, to go for a walk or to play. Many dogs will bark because they simply want to play or share a positive experience, not to be aggressive.
How do I get my dog to stop barking at strangers? Whenever your dog starts barking at a stranger, go closer to them, gently grab their muscle, and command them to be “Quiet.” This method is effective but you need to be careful not to shout as it may lead to negative reinforcement. Once they remain quiet, take your hands off their muzzle and reward them with a treat.
Why do dogs bark to strangers? When a dog barks at strangers, it is generally an arousal response as a way to communicate an alert, a way to show fear, or as an act of protection. This bark can be reinforced by your behavior, by other dogs barking, or can even be self-reinforced as dogs will wind themselves up.
Why is my dog barking at guests? Why It Happens. If your dog barks every time a visitor arrives, it will often mean that they are staking a claim on their territory. Most dogs are naturally wary of people venturing onto “their” territory and can see them as potential threats.