How to Prevent Your Dog From Reacting to Other Dogs

Walking your dog can become a stressful experience if he lunges, barks or growls at other dogs. Your pet companion may display the aggressive behavior due to a lack of socialization with other dogs during his puppy years. Bad past experiences with other canines also can trigger the undesirable behavior. To make walking your dog a pleasant experience, incorporate measures to prevent your dog from displaying his aggression.

Things You'll Need

  • Blanket or calming cap
  • Head halter
  • Friend with social dog
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Walk your dog during times that there aren't a lot of dogs around. Avoid dog-walking peak hours, such as early in the morning, after dinner time and before bedtime. If your pet companion doesn't encounter any dogs, he can't bark, lunge or growl at them.

    • 2

      Cover your dog's face so he can't see approaching dogs. If you have a small dog, bring a small blanket with you when walking him. Pick your dog up as soon as you notice an approaching dog. Put the blanket over your dog's face to block his view. If you have a large dog, use a canine calming cap. The cap filters your dog's vision and makes it harder for him to see potential stressors.

    • 3

      Walk the other way when you see an approaching dog. Making a U-turn with your dog prevents confrontation and keeps your pet pal from acting up.

    • 4

      Put a head halter on your dog and correct his behavior in the moment. A head halter allows you to control your dog's actions. If he stares at an approaching dog and is about to bark, growl or lunge, pull and hold the harness leash upward. Avoid firmly tugging the halter, because this can hurt your dog. When your dog relaxes, give him a treat for his good behavior.

    • 5

      Socialize your dog so he can encounter other dogs without reacting. Position a friend with a social dog at a distance where your dog can see them. Feed your dog treats before he reacts to the other dog. Have your friend and her dog move out of sight and stop feeding your dog the treats. Repeat this several times and gradually move your friend and her dog closer. Over time, your dog will notice that he gets treats when other dogs appear, and that the treats stop when the dogs disappear. The appearance of other dogs becomes a pleasant thing.