How to Help Your Dog be More Friendly to Other Dogs

The socialization process also includes teaching your dog how to behave around other dogs. You have to expose your dog to as many people and pets as possible so that he gets accustomed to a variety of situations.

You have to remember that you can mould the behavior of your pet. Most pets are quick to pick up on your reactions to certain situations. So be careful about how you conduct yourself around other dogs or pets.

To get started you should introduce your dog to other dogs that are friendly and have already been socialized. Keeping your dog on a leash is a good idea just in case things don’t work as planned. Let them sniff one another. Don’t tighten the leash because this automatically sends the wrong message to the dog that something is amiss. So this may cause him to react aggressively. The last thing you want is for him to suddenly start baring his teeth and snarling.

You could also take a walk in the park or a street where you’re likely to come across other dogs. Again, avoid pulling on the leash or getting tensed when you see an approaching dog. Your reaction often conveys itself to your pet and he begins associating your negative behavior with the approach of another dog. And since there’s no possibility of him running away, his next option is to stay and get aggressive. So don’t react strongly when you see another dog approaching. Leave the leash slack and maintain a façade of calm even if you notice your dog tensing up.

Another way to deal with a fearful dog is to distract his attention and make him associate the approach of another dog with something pleasant. You can begin by feeding him a treat when in close proximity of another dog. This way he becomes aware of another dog in the vicinity but is diverted from developing any negative feelings towards him. Do this each time he is exposed to another dog until he begins behaving in a friendly manner. You could also show how happy you are when you see another dog. This conveys to the dog that you are pleased whenever you see another dog and he will pick up on this positive reaction. After some time, he will begin exhibiting a positive reaction each time a dog passes.

Never punish your dog for barking or showing hostility around other dogs. This will only puzzle him and make him associate the approach of another dog with a punishment. So he’ll begin displaying aggressive behavior to keep other dogs away. So instead, reward him with a treat each time he behaves in a friendly manner towards other dogs.

Once you feel your dog is suitably socialized with other dogs, don’t stop the process. Keep introducing him to different breeds and dogs of all ages. This will help him gain more confidence and deal with different or stressful situations.

You would do well to remember that you can’t expect your dog to be friendly with all dogs. Always be alert and keep your dog away from other hostile dogs. If your dog still continues to display aggressive or fearful behavior, you should consider consulting a trainer who specializes in this area.

If you continue socializing your dog, you’ll soon have a well-mannered friendly dog that other dogs like to be around. Moreover, this will ensure that you don’t have to worry when your dog is faced with unexpected situations or other canines. A friendly and sociable dog can be taken anytime, anywhere and will gladly be welcomed both by other dogs and their owners.