How to Get Your Dog to Mingle With Other Dogs

While dogs don't technically need to socialize with other dogs, it is important if you plan on taking your dog out into the world. Your dog's ability to be around other people's dogs without becoming shy or aggressive makes it easier for you to take it out to dog parks and other areas.

Instructions

    • 1

      Socialize your dog with other dogs as soon as possible. Puppies need to be exposed not only to other dogs, but also other people and unfamiliar objects and experiences so that they get used to them.

    • 2

      Invite a friend who has a dog over to your house. This will give you more control over the first instances of mingling between your dog and others. Keep the dogs on leashes until they are comfortable with each other.

    • 3

      Keep your dog and your friend's dog 10 feet from each other, both sitting and facing one another. Slowly walk toward each other, telling your dogs to "heel" (stay). Walk past each other, turn and repeat a few times.

    • 4

      Bring your dogs closer together while they are still on their leashes. Let them sniff each other and get to know one another. After a few minutes, take your dog and walk on. Then, turn around and repeat this step a few more times, allowing for a longer socialization each time.