How do I get my dog to stop reacting to other dogs on walks?

To change your dog’s response to other dogs, start working with your dog, standing still, at a distance where he can see another dog without reacting and where other dogs aren’t walking toward you. You can try this exercise, for example, at the edge of a lot where dogs get out to go to a dog park or pet store.

Why does my dog get aggressive when he sees other dogs?

Aggression between unfamiliar dogs can be due to fear, poor communication, defensive, possessive behavior over resources (including perhaps family members or other pets) or territorial behavior over territory or owner. Aggression between dogs can result in injury to dogs and/or to the people trying to separate them.

What do you do when your dog is reactive to other dogs?

If a reactive dog approaches you, the best thing you can do is give him space. Do not approach in an attempt to greet him. If you have a reactive dog, working with a trainer to try behavior modification techniques that will address the cause can prevent escalation to aggression.

How do I train my dog to be less reactive?

6 Ways to Calm Your Reactive Dog

1. Set Up a Routine. It’s not something dog owners think of very often or are even aware of, but dogs absolutely crave routine.
2. Get Essential Equipment.
3. Counter Conditioning.
4. Household Changes.
5. Body Language.
6. Sign Up for a Behavior Rehab Class.

Do reactive dogs get better with age?

Dogs of any age can start training to improve their reactivity. You do need to keep in mind that the longer a behavior has been ingrained, the longer it will take to retrain the dog.

How do I teach my dog to be friendly with other dogs?

Allow your dog to meet the other, calm and friendly dog. You should approach the other dog from the side with the friendly dog remaining stationary in a sit or calm stand. Try to keep the leash slack and remain calm yourself. Repeat this introduction with a variety of dogs to build positive associations.

How do I stop my dog from lunging and barking at other dogs?

Hold your dog on a loose leash; a tight leash can heighten reactivity. Treat your dog when he walks next to you; if he pulls on the leash or crosses in front of you, stop walking. Use a treat to lure him back to your side. Walk toward the other dog at an angle or perpendicular to the other dog, rather than head on.

How do I get my dog to stop dominating other dogs?

5 Keys To Handling A Dominant Dog

1. You Need to Be Even More Calm-Assertive. Dogs will not follow unstable energy.
2. Set Rules, Boundaries, and Limitations.
3. Don’t Force Affection.
4. Use Meal Time to Your Advantage.
5. Give Your Dog a Job.

How do I desensitize my reactive dog?

The desensitization process works by initially exposing a dog to very low levels of the problem stimulus. Once the dog becomes accustomed to the low level stimulus, we very slowly increase its intensity. Over time, our dog will learn to tolerate and be calm at even higher levels of the reactive stimulus.

What is the best way to train a reactive dog?

Basic Steps For Reactive Dog Training 1) A Find-It game. Basically, say, “Find it!” and chuck some soft, stinky treats on the ground when your dog sees another dog. Sniffing is calming for dogs, plus it gives your dog something to do besides barking/lunging/etc.

How do you train a dog to stay away from other dogs?

Basic Steps For Reactive Dog Training. 1) A Find-It game. Basically, say, “Find it!” and chuck some soft, stinky treats on the ground when your dog sees another dog. Sniffing is calming for dogs, plus it gives your dog something to do besides barking/lunging/etc.

How do I get my Dog to calm down around other dogs?

Have a friend with a calm dog offer to assist you. Arrange to have your friend and their calm dog meet you while out on a walk. Put your dog on a leash and go for your walk to the arranged meeting place. When you see your friend and their dog from a distance, ask them to stop while your dog is still calm. Ask your dog to sit/stay.

Why is my dog so reactive when out walking?

However, dogs can be “reactive” when out walking for a variety of reasons, including a conditioned response to feeling frustrated at not being able to greet another dog if on leash, or simple fear of a dog they’ve never met.