Teach your dog to act calmly around other dogs.
If your dog gets aggressive or over-excited in the presence of other dogs, you probably will want to address this behavior so that you can confidently expose him to other dogs. While using the typical techniques of dog training, the process of calming your dog around other dogs takes perseverance, patience and determination. Once you accomplish it, however, trips to the park and other public places will be much more enjoyable for both of you.
Instructions
1. Socialize your dog; but keep in mind that the process will differ for a puppy. If you are working with a puppy, expose him to as many different people, animals, and situations as possible. Act calm so that he will feel calm, too.
If you are working with a dog, you must desensitize him, which may take many weeks or months, depending on how aggressive or anxious he is when you start. Keep in mind that some dogs never will be trustworthy around other dogs.
Teach your dog a focused attention exercise in a safe place free from distractions. Have a few treats in your pocket. Begin the exercise by saying your dog's name loudly, then quickly moving away as soon as he makes eye contact with you. As soon as your dog moves beside you, praise him, then immediately bring a treat out of your pocket. Hold it between your eyes and your dog's to make eye contact again. Give your dog the treat. Repeat the sequence 3-5 times.
Practice this desensitization exercise on a regular basis. Start the exercise as soon as you spot another dog when you are out with yours. If the exercise has worked, your dog will automatically look at you when another dog appears.
2. Look out for aggressive body language when your dog sees another dog. He might growl, stare, raise his head, tail and ears, or stiffen his body. Remain calm and remove your dog from the situation, breaking his eye contact with the other dog. Reward your dog with a treat when he obeys and shifts his focus to you.
Return to Step 1 and work on desensitization.
3. Praise and treat your dog whenever he behaves well around other dogs.
4. Arrange supervised one-on-one play time between your dog and another dog that you know he likes.
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