Can’t walk a few distances without your dog running toward or barking at another dog? You’re not alone in this struggle. Dogs are social animals, so getting excited at seeing another dog is natural.
First, look at the scene: you and your dog are walking along the sidewalk, and everything is relaxed and peaceful. Suddenly, up ahead, another guy is coming your way with their dog.
Your dog begins to bark excitedly and lunges toward the other pup. Not only is this behavior unseemly, but it could also lead to someone becoming seriously injured.
Now let’s look at it from another angle. You and your dog are walking above, but this time your pup calmly walks by your side as the other dogs walk by on their side of the sidewalk. Isn’t this a pleasant scene?
This can also happen if you are ready to put in your energy and time to train your pup to ignore other dogs.
With some simple exercises, you can easily train your canine friend to redirect this mood or excitement toward you so they don’t make a scene.
Below i have describe simple ways to train your dog to ignore other dogs.
Define the Tasks
In this scenario, you are training your dog to behave in a specific way under certain circumstances rather than training him on a new task or chore. While you may need to use some command words, in the beginning, the intention is for your dog to ignore other dogs without being told.
This is a critical behavior for your pup to learn, as you desire to take walks without worrying about his behavior. If you can’t do this, it becomes too easy for your dog not to get the exercise he needs.
You must teach your dog to ignore as young as possible, preferably while training him to walk on a leash. At the same time, you can also train an older canine to behave or walks; it may take more time. Learning to behave around other dogs, no matter your pup’s age could save him from severe injury, even if he fights with other dogs.
Getting Started
You don’t need equipment when training your dog to ignore other dogs.
However, you will need time to go for walks every day, preferably once or twice. But you will need the followings:
Leash
This is when you go for a walk.
TreatsÂ
Treat him nicely when your dog behaves.
Patience
Your pup will not get it right initially, so you need to be patient and not punish him for not getting it right.
Time
Use 15-minute walks twice or thrice daily.
Always note that training your dog to ignore other dogs is about patience and time; the more you jerk on the leash, the happier your dog will become. The calmer you remain, your dog will quickly calm down and back off.
Method 1 The Attention and Reward
Step 1
Call your dog by his name before you go out. If he looks at you, then give him a nice treat. You must train your dog how to know his name before using this method.
Step 2
You must repeat this step around the house for some days until he always looks at you when you mention his name.
Step 3
Begin walking your dog at a distance from other dogs. Note when he first notices them and calls his name. When he turns to look at you, give him a nice treat.
Step 4
Start moving closer to other dogs using the same method. Rewards if he behaves well, move back if he doesn’t, and repeat the process.
Step 5
Keep walking closer until you are confident that you and your dog can walk at close quarters without any worry about your pup misbehaving.
Method 2. The Nudge Method
Step 1
Have some friends agreed to bring their dogs for training sessions in your neighborhood?
Step 2
 Find a large space where you can put your dog on a leash and stand with him; allow your dog to join them.
Step 3
Have your friends line up about twenty feet apart with their pups on leashes.
Step 4
Have your friends walk their pups past where you are standing with your dog.
Step 5
Each time your dog lunges towards the other dogs, tell him “No!” and make him sit. When he does, give him a treat.
Mariah Tucker