How Can I Train My Dog to Be Calm Around Other Dogs?

Training your dog to remain calm around other dogs is crucial for enjoyable outings and positive social interactions while keeping yourself and your dog safe. Here’s a comprehensive guide to achieving this through effective training techniques and management strategies.

Controlled Socialisation

Controlled socialisation involves exposing your dog to other dogs in a structured and controlled manner. Here’s how to approach it:

  1. Choose appropriate environments: Start socialising your dog at a distance from other dogs, proofing commands like recall or basic obedience. If dogs come over, stay calm, but treat it as a training moment. Calmly call your dog away with a little pressure on the lead then reward when they get to you.

  2. Making interactions positive: Observe your dog’s body language closely during interactions with other dogs. Look for signs of stress, fear, or excitement. Clicker Training can really come in handy for marking interactions creating positive associations. For example, if your dog sniffs or gets sniffed on the bum, mark it with the clicker and reward.

  3. Reward calm behaviour: Whenever your dog remains calm around other dogs, immediately reward them with treats, praise, or a favourite toy. This reinforces positive behaviour.

  4. Gradual exposure: Introduce your dog to dogs of different sizes, ages, and temperaments gradually as they become more comfortable and confident.

Limit Uncontrolled Meetings

Avoid allowing your dog to greet every dog they encounter, as this can lead to over-excitement or anxiety. If you don't know the dog, there is no benefit to your dog interacting with them. Especially as signs like wagging tails ect. may not always be friendly signs. Instead:

  1. Practice impulse control: Teach your dog commands like a solid down-stay and sit to allow dogs to pass safely. 

  2. Maintain distance: If you see another dog approaching, calmly move away or create distance to prevent direct interactions until your dog is ready.

  3. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog for maintaining calm behaviour and focusing on you during walks, especially in the presence of other dogs.

Group Training Sessions

Enroll your dog in group training sessions, it is especially important during their early development up to 2 years old, to foster positive socialisation and prevent reactivity:

  1. Structured learning environment: Group sessions provide a controlled setting where dogs foster neutrality to one another under the guidance of experienced trainers. They learn to work side by side, overcome challenges and learn new things all while maintaining engagement with their owner which are important skills for real life scenarios.

  2. Professional supervision: Trainers can manage interactions, monitor body language and teach owners and their dogs appropriate social skills, ensuring safe and positive experiences.

  3. Socialisation opportunities: Dogs learn to navigate social situations, building confidence and reducing the likelihood of fear or aggression towards other dogs.

Additional Tips

  • Consistency is key: Practice training exercises regularly to reinforce desired behaviours and responses.

  • Stay calm and patient: Dogs can sense your emotions, so remain calm and confident during social interactions.

  • Recognise signs of discomfort: Learn to recognise when your dog is uncomfortable or stressed, and intervene by creating space or channeling their energy into more positive behaviours.

Training your dog to be calm around other dogs requires dedication, patience, and strategic training methods. Controlled socialisation, managing interactions, and participating in group training sessions are effective ways to promote positive social skills and reduce reactivity. By providing a supportive environment and consistent training, you can help your dog develop into a well-balanced dog who enjoys social interactions with confidence and ease.

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