Are you having trouble with your dog reacting to other dogs when out and about? Managing this type of reactive behaviour can be stressful for owners and make them reluctant or not enjoy time together on walks. Other dogs can spark an emotional response and create challenging behaviours that are hard to manage without appropriate measures in place. Find out how to spot changes in body language and tips to train your dog to ignore others! 

Why Do Dogs React To Other Dogs? 

Your dog could be reacting to others for multiple reasons, including:

  • Fear: Your dog may have had previous bad experiences surrounding other dogs or are scared of other dogs behaviour and presence. 
  • Frustration: There can be signs of frustration when spotting other dogs of wanting to go and play or lunging towards them. 
  • Lack of socialisation: If your dog hasn’t had much socialisation with others, they may show reactive signs because it is unfamiliar. 
  • Witnessing other dogs’ behaviours: If you go to a busy area where dogs are off the lead or running around, your dog may try to mimic these behaviours. 
  • Over-excitement: A dog may show overexcited behaviours because they could be anticipating something unknown when seeing other dogs. 

What Types Of Behaviour May Your Dog Do When Spotting Other Dogs?

When spotting other dogs, your dog can exhibit multiple behaviours and can vary from one another. These can include the following: 

  • Lunging 
  • Barking 
  • Jumping 
  • Aggression
  • Ignoring your commands 
  • Growling or snarling
  • Freezing (often accompanied by intense staring)
  • Standing tall with tense muscles 

Calming your dog down in these situations is key to managing emotions and behaviours towards others. Spotting the signs of emotional change in their behaviour can help you be proactive in stopping it. 

Tips To Manage Your Dog Reacting To Other Dogs 

Plan Walks In Places That Aren’t Busy 

If you notice your dog is reacting too much to other dogs and it’s uncontrollable, it will be a good idea to plan walks around non-peak times or less busy places. This is because both you and your dog will feel at ease during your walk and it also gives you time to train and bond with your dog before a lot of exposure to others. 

Utilise Treats For Positive Reinforcement 

Positive reinforcement is a top dog training technique that can help your dog understand and practise good behaviours. Having treats on hand on your walks will reward your dog for good reactions and reinforce that reactivity is not appropriate when out and about.  

Develop A Trusting Bond

Bonding with your dog is key to getting your dog to listen to you and reduce your dog reacting to others. Through commands and trust, when encountering other dogs, they will begin to listen out for commands and be focused on your walk.  

Basic Obedience & Recall 

Your dog having basic obedience training will help reduce reactivity to other dogs because they will listen to familiar commands. Having a good recall can help walks go smoother by letting your dog off the leash or having a long leash, knowing that they won’t show aggressive behaviours to others around them. It will give you more peace of mind for stress-free walks. 

Slow Exposure To Other Dogs To Practice 

Your dog cannot show good behaviour towards others without having practice. Not seeing other dogs may heighten fear and excitement for when they do and have an adverse effect. Slow practice in areas which are less busy will be key to building exposure and good behaviours. 

Encourage Play Time In A Controlled Environment  

Increasing socialisation removes reactive emotions when your dog does see others because they are used to dogs being close to them in the same environment. Controlling playtime with others will reduce any anxiety or fear when on walks and noticing other dogs, they will be more inclined to ignore them instead. 

Socialisation Training 

If you are worried or have no clue where to start with socialising your dog, socialisation training can be crucial to reducing or removing your dog’s reactions to others. It is controlled training that allows your dog to develop their social skills and help you regain control again. 

Reactivity Training 

If your dog has more extreme reactive behaviours, then dedicated reactivity training will help undo these behaviours. It will blend a mixture of training methods to help you manage emotional reactions to environmental and social factors around your dog. It can be a focused programme to help with reactive behaviours with other dogs. 

 

 

Dog Training With A&T Trained Dogs

A&T Trained Dogs specialise in dog training, managing a variety of behaviours, improving general obedience and tackling specific behavioural problems. We have an exceptional facility space and a wealth of experience in our team to create tailored programmes to help you feel at ease with your dog’s behaviours. Contact us online or call us on 01524 587315