A Complete Guide
Did your dog start acting wild around another dog the last time you took it for a walk? We all know how embarrassing it is to have your dog bark and lunge at other dogs. Especially the angry looks your dog draws from onlookers for creating such a fuss makes you hate your dog all the more. But how can you put an end to this behavior of your aggressive canine? How can you train your dog to ignore other dogs?
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Well, don’t worry! With a little effort, you can efficiently train your dog to ignore other dogs and enjoy peaceful walks around the park. It will require time and patience but believe me, it will be worth the effort. Not only will your dog be trained to ignore other dogs but also be tamed into an obedient and gentle dog.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to train your dog to ignore other dogs and foster tranquil behavior in them.
How To Train Your Dog To Ignore Other Dogs?
It is very important for your dog to learn to ignore other dogs whether on a leash or without a leash. Of course, proper friendly socialization with other dogs is key to your dog’s normal mental and social development. However, if your dog turns aggressive and overly excited around another dog and gets out of control, it’s time you start training it. Through proper training, your dog will learn how to go on a walk without terrifying other dogs and annoying their owners. So let’s get started on how to train your dog.
Step 1: Find out your dog’s favorite treat
As the training is majorly based upon positive reinforcement, it is important to figure out what treats your dog like best.
Every dog is unique and hence the treats that other dogs die for might not work for your dog. So through trial and error, you have to find out the one thing your dog truly cannot resist. It could either be its favorite dog snack or a particular kind of toy.
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Step 2: Train your dog to respond to basic commands
Use positive reinforcement to train your dog to obey certain commands or respond to its name.
All you have to do is to call out your dogs name. When you have its full attention give it a treat. This will habituate your canine friend into turning its attention to you when you say its name. Moreover when you have your dog’s complete attention try teaching it basic commands like “quite”, “no”, or “leave it” in return for treats.
Step 3: Practice indoors
To perfectly nail the method of gaining your dog’s attention practice inside for some time.
Start off in quiet and empty parts of the house. Say your dog’s name and when it has your attention give it a treat. Do the same for other commands. When you are sure your dog is trained then proceed toward the noisy parts of the house. Your dog might get distracted but the goal is to train it to respond in crowded areas.
Step 4: Train outdoor in calm areas
Practice the same technique but this time outside the house. Make sure the place is not noisy or crowded.
Your dog might not respond initially at first due to outdoor distractions. But you have to practice to make sure your dog responds in outdoor settings too.
Step 5: Let your dog interact with another dog
Now that your dog is sufficiently trained it’s time to step out of its comfort zone and interact with another dog.
Advance slowly towards another dog. Monitor your dog’s reaction strictly. If it starts to bark or lunge, immediately stop and call out its name. When it responds give it a treat. Keep practicing around other dogs until your dog learns to stop reacting aggressively to other dogs.
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Step 6: Practice around a lot of dogs
It’s time to finally train your dog not to bark or scare other dogs when on a walk.
Take a walk around a park where there are many other dogs. All the while keeping a check on your dog’s behavior and holding onto the leash tightly. By now your dog will have learned to ignore other dogs and remain calm. But if there are one or two flare-ups then use the calling and treating method.
Step 7: Give fewer treats
Now it’s time to train your dog to remain calm without giving treats. By now your dog would be adequately trained and this wouldn’t be a problem. Start off with fewer treats and then slowly proceed to no treats at all.
Alternative Method
If your dog doesn’t respond to its name when distracted by other dogs you can try the nudge method. According to this technique if your dog grows restless around another dog gently nudge him on the side with your knee. This should distract him from the other dog. Give him a treat if he calms down. Make sure not to stop him by pulling on his leash as this will further aggravate him and can also hurt his neck.
When Is The Right Age To Train Your Dog?
As a general rule: the sooner the better. The best time to start training your dog to ignore other dogs is when it’s still a pup. This is because it is far easier to train a puppy than an adult dog because they are still in their learning phase. However, with a little effort, you can also train an older dog equally well. Whatever the age of your furry friend, it is important to train them to ignore other dogs and not be hostile to them as it could result in serious injury to either dog.
Why is It Important To Train Your dog to Ignore Other Dogs?
It is very important to train your dog to ignore other dogs because sometimes dogs don’t react well to other dogs. They either get overly excited or aggressive toward other dogs and try to lunge at them. This could lead to a fight and result in serious injury for your dog or the other dog. Moreover, if your dog terrifies other dogs it might not even be allowed in parks or other public places for dogs. So it’s better you train your dog to behave well around other dogs and maintain a friendly atmosphere.
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Conclusion
Your dog must be trained to ignore other dogs and not react to them. It is quite easy to train your dog to do so but requires time, patience, and plenty of practice. You must make it a point to give your dog treats while training as this reinforces good behavior. It is important to follow a step-by-step approach to training your dog. This means you must start from areas with no dogs and then gradually move toward training in areas with many dogs. Hopefully, your canine friend will be trained to become a friendly and obedient dog.