How do you teach your dog self-control around other dogs?

Walking a dog can be a real pleasure for some, a nuisance for others. Much depends on how the pet behaves during such an outing. It is not uncommon for a dog to bark at everything, pull on the lead or try to approach other walking pets. This is not always desirable. Sometimes it can end in minor unpleasantness, other times it can lead to serious danger. It is worth remembering that some dog guardians do not wish other dogs to approach their pets. This behaviour is also often not tolerated by the animals themselves, who may feel threatened.

If a dog pulls on other dogs during a walk, barks at them or reacts with aggression, it is worth finding out the reasons for this behaviour. Only then can appropriate measures be taken to deal with the problem.

Why does my dog bark at other dogs?
Barking in dogs is a natural way of communication inherent in all representatives of this species. Of course, there are some breeds that are noisier and others that bark considerably less. It is worth taking this into account when choosing a breed and accepting that we cannot completely stop your pet from barking. The problem, however, is a dog barking menacingly at another dog, which can happen, for example, during a walk. This behaviour is often due to a lack of socialisation and upbringing mistakes made.

From the very first months of life, a puppy should have contact with other members of its species. If it is only around people, it simply does not know how to behave towards other dogs. Such contact may cause fear, loud barking and excessive emotions. Sometimes the pup reacts with fear or aggression. Sometimes the dog throws itself at other dogs, which can create unnecessary conflict between their guardians. It is worth remembering that the cause of barking can also be trauma experienced, for example as a result of an attack by an aggressive pet. Jealousy of a guardian being approached by another dog, as well as defending one’s own space or reluctance to share a toy may be another reason for bad behaviour.

How to teach a dog not to react to other dogs?
Many carers wonder how to calm their dog down on walks and teach them to be indifferent to other pets. There are several methods that can help with this. The key is to teach the pet to respond to commands that are important in such circumstances and to focus attention on the carer. It is very important that the latter is ‘more attractive’ to the pet than those walking around, or approaching four-legged dogs. How to teach a dog to achieve a satisfactory result?

It is a good idea to start training from puppy age. The first lessons on focusing attention on the carer can be carried out at home, the next in the open air where there are few distractions (e.g. in one’s own backyard), and only then move on to lessons in a place where there will be other pets. It is a good idea to teach using treats, rewarding the pet for focusing attention on the handler for longer. The same technique is used when walking. When the dog is attracted to other dogs, it should be recalled and its interest in the handler rewarded. A favourite dog toy can also be used for training instead of treats. Any desired behaviour of the pet should be praised.

Teaching your dog to be aggressive towards other pets – a few tips
If your dog lashes out at other dogs, you should consider the background to this behaviour. Perhaps it is some trauma from the past that has strongly affected the dog’s psyche and which will be difficult to deal with on your own. In some cases, it is necessary to seek the help of an experienced behaviourist. It is also advisable to avoid situations that are highly stressful for the pet. This is because it takes time to gradually develop the right behaviour.

It is worth remembering that aggression is sometimes dictated by fear. A dog that has been attacked by another pet in the past may feel fear. And it is this fear that triggers resentment and aggressive behaviour in him. In such a case, it is very important to help the pet to control its emotions and get rid of its fear. This is often done under the guidance of a dog psychologist.

We should also remember that, just as people are different, dogs can be different too. Not all of them like to greet other pets on a walk. Some dogs value their personal space and do not want anyone to invade it. If these are the traits your pet exhibits, allow them to maintain their comfort zone and avoid direct contact with other dogs. It will be safe to walk your pet on a lead some distance away from other pets who might show more interest in the encounter than your pet. However, ‘runners’, i.e. dogs walking without a lead, whose guardians do not understand that such contact can be troublesome, can be a bit of a problem here. Of course, socialisation with other dogs is essential. However, it should be gradual and under control.

How can I calm my dog down on a walk?
For your own comfort and that of your pet, it is advisable to teach your dog correct walking behaviour. Running up to other pets, barking at them or showing aggression is undesirable. It is important to remember that the carer is responsible for the dog and its behaviour. This is why it is important to start from the very beginning to teach the dog how to walk on a leash and how to call the dog. It is important that, even in a stressful or emotional situation, the dog reacts to being called by the carer. Training in the basics of obedience and socialising the dog with people and other animals is helpful here. Learning should be carried out by grading the difficulty of the task. We start it at home. Correct execution of the command “to me” should be rewarded. Next, you can work with your dog in a quiet outdoor area and only then in more frequented places, e.g. in the city centre.

Success in training will not be achieved unless the basic needs of the four-legged dog are met in parallel. These can vary depending on the breed and disposition of the individual dog. It is important to remember not only about proper feeding and constant access to fresh water, but also about the need for activity, contact with the guardian and playing together. The intellectual development of the four-legged dog is also important, which is done, among other things, by playing with a sniffing mat or simply playing hide-and-seek with favourite treats. Varied and activity-oriented walks and attention-engaging toys help to reduce aggression, pulling on the lead and barking at other dogs.

Teaching your dog self-control is not always easy. However, it is undoubtedly necessary if you want to raise an obedient dog that stays calm during walks and does not react overly enthusiastically or aggressively towards other dogs.