Instructions
Take your dog to dog parks and other areas that provide lots of chances to meet friendly dogs. Do not pet the dog or coddle it if it is being shy initially. Sit nearby so it feels secure and allow it to observe. The more experience your pet has with other animals, the more comfortable it will be around them.
Unleash your dog around others, if laws allow. Other dogs may approach it first. Resist the urge to pick up your dog in situations where it appears to be uncomfortable; this will reward it for non-social behavior. Allow the dog an opportunity to adjust at its own pace.
Give your dog treats and positive verbal acknowledgment only when it plays nicely with other dogs and exhibits confident behavior. Offer your dog a treat or its favorite toy near where other dogs are playing.
Find other opportunities for your dog to interact with others. Establish a dog walking date with another dog owner. Look in the phone book for "Dog Training" and enroll your pet in socialization and behavior classes.
How to Make Your Dog Greet Other Dogs
Your dog may react in a variety of ways when it sees other dogs. It might bark ferociously, pull in the opposite direction or ignore the other animal altogether. These behaviors are influenced by how your dog is socialized, or introduced to other dogs, people, places and objects. The ideal time to socialize your dog is from 3 to 12 weeks of age, but older dogs benefit from socialization as well. To get your dog to greet other dogs with acceptable behavior, provide as many positive experiences as possible.