For some months now I have been bothered by the barking of dogs near my home. I sometimes wonder whether their owners realise just how intrusive persistent barking can be, particularly in what is normally a peaceful part of Midsomer Norton.
There are two dogs in particular that bark at me on sight whenever I walk down the road. There is another that apparently spots me through the curtains and starts barking when I am simply moving around near my car.
During the very hot weather we had recently, more dogs were naturally spending more time outside, which made the problem more noticeable.
I have taken notice of Channel Five’s ‘Dogs Behaving (very) badly’, and I have seen that even the worst behaviour can be corrected by the right training. There is a whole series on YouTube which can be found by typing in ‘YouTube dogs behaving very badly’
So I decided to have a chat with ChatGPT — who else? — to find out why dogs behave in this way and what, if anything, can be done about it. I found the response surprisingly useful, so I thought I would share it. Here it is:
- KB dog training and walking — based in Midsomer Norton, around the BA3 2JF area. They specifically mention nervous and reactive dogs, one-to-one training and group classes, using positive methods. Tel 07845 745761.
- Active Dog Services — 17 St Thomas Road, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2UT, so particularly close to your postcode. Tel 07789 967864.
- Midsomer Mutts Ltd — Manor Farm, Chilcompton, BA3 4HP; another nearby option.
- Pawsitive Life Dog Daycare and Training Hub — Charmborough Farm, Holcombe. They describe their approach as modern, positive training without adverse techniques.
- South West Dog Skills — slightly farther away, with training at Farmborough and Hunstrete. They have extensive reviews and offer adult-dog training and behavioural work. Tel 07946 222541.
If barking is the particular problem, I’d start with KB Dog Training, because they explicitly deal with behavioural/reactivity issues rather than simply obedience training.
That description makes reactivity more likely than simple nuisance barking. Dogs Trust describes reactive dogs as dogs that may bark, lunge or pull towards people because they are worried, frustrated, excited or overwhelmed.
The fact that they are rescue dogs could be relevant, because their previous experiences and socialisation may be unknown. But being a rescue dog isn’t, by itself, an explanation for the behaviour.
What particularly stands out is that they bark in two related situations: at unfamiliar people encountered on walks and at unfamiliar people approaching the home. That suggests they may perceive strangers as something they need to keep at a distance. The barking can then reinforce itself: they bark at a passer-by, the passer-by continues away, and from the dog’s point of view, “I barked, and the person went away.” Dogs Trust specifically describes this learning process.
At the house there may also be a territorial element. Dogs Trust says dogs reacting to visitors may be worried about intruders or protective of their space.
I wouldn’t recommend shouting at them or punishing the barking. Instead, the owner needs to work on keeping sufficient distance from strangers so that the dogs remain calm, then rewarding calm behaviour when they notice a person. On walks, crossing the road or changing direction before they start barking can be useful. At home, reducing their view of passers-by and separating them from unexpected visitors can help while training is underway.
For the particular behaviour you described — barking at unfamiliar people on walks and at people approaching the house — I’d concentrate on trainers who specifically work with reactivity, not ordinary obedience classes.
My first choice would be KB dog training and walking. They are based in Midsomer Norton (BA3 2JF) and explicitly describe themselves as specialists in nervous and reactive dogs. They offer one-to-one training and say they use positive reinforcement without pain, fear or punishment. Their website specifically mentions dogs that bark or lunge on walks, which is very close to what you’re describing. Telephone/WhatsApp: 07845 745761.
KB Dog Training website
Another particularly relevant option is The Whole Hound Academy, which covers Midsomer Norton and Radstock. They specifically work on on-lead reactivity towards people, fear and anxiety, barking, growling and biting. Importantly, they start with a one-hour assessment in the dog’s home, which could be useful because the behaviour occurs both outside and around the house.
The Whole Hound Academy
A third possibility is Pawsitive Life Dog Daycare and Training Hub at Charmborough Farm, Holcombe, very close to Midsomer Norton. They emphasise confidence and calmness using modern training without adverse techniques. Telephone 07737 268455.
Pawsitive Life
For these particular rescue dogs, I would contact KB first. I would tell Kirstie exactly this: “We have rescue dogs that bark strongly at unfamiliar people when being walked, and also when unfamiliar people approach the house. We want someone to assess why they are doing it and help reduce the behaviour.”
That should immediately tell her that this is a reactivity/behaviour case, rather than someone simply wanting a dog taught to sit and heel.
For dog owners the above gives more than enough to get you started. My guess is that after training you will say, ‘I wish I had done that before.’
