My dog Barkley is the sweetest dog I have ever known. He will be 13 years old next month. He is always happy and looking for affection. He would qualify as an emotional support animal IF he didn’t do this one thing.

When I take him on walks, if he sees another dog, he goes absolutely crazy. He looks like an out of control aggressive dog, BUT, he is not aggressive. He is wanting to go say hi. If I manage to talk over his wild barking, and tell the other dog’s owner and if they allow him to say hi, he calms right down.

But some people fear him and his behavior embarrasses me. I think they are thinking I can’t control my dog, and it is true! I have tried everything, but when he sees another dog, his thinking and listening brain turns off and he is in full blown reaction mode. Nothing gets through to him.

So, to answer this prompt, the one thing that I would like my dog to understand is not everyone wants to say hi and his behavior makes people afraid of him.

Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, I have tried the Cesar Milan method and it doesn’t work! I have tried treats and to have him sit and stay while the other dog passes and that definitely doesn’t work.

I have asked an AI about it and I am trying what it suggests and really really hope he improves because all I can do if it doesn’t is not take him on walks and I would hate not to be able to.

I’m open to any suggestions!!