Train Your Dog to Tolerate Other Dogs
2008-08-11

Train Your Dog to Tolerate Other Dogs

As a dog owner, what do you do if your dog is used to being "top dog", and you want to find them a doggie friend, or if you just want your pooch to accept the other dogs at the dog park? Do you regularly introduce new dogs to your pet? Your dog-kids will be great if he/she accept (or at least tolerate) other dogs. How to help him/her to play like this? If location is the key in buying your ultimate dream home, and then socialization is the key in having a dog that gets along with other dogs. The old phrase "charity starts at home" is easily changed to "training starts at home" when it comes to learning your dogs to be social and friendly with other dogs. Some pet training supplies is also required.

Scratch the good period Ideally, socialization should start as soon as possible when the dog is still a puppy. It has been reported that puppies have a "grace period" of up to 12 weeks of age where they intensely require as much contact as possible with other people and other dogs. If this "grace period" passes with improper socialization, then the whole socialization process will turn out to be much more difficult and challenging. If your dog is unpleasant towards other dogs very likely he has not been properly socialized as a puppy.

know about  your dog Before you training your dog, you should know about your pet first. Some breeds are happier to have "friends" than others, and some individuals are more social than their brethren. And some dogs, despite the fun they might have with a doggie friend, will never accept another dog in their lives, often because of a traumatic incident in puppy-hood or a lack of proper socialization. If you have an older dog and you introduce a puppy to her/him, then the older dog typically will be kind to the puppy. Introducing a dog of the same age can take a little more time. The opposite sexes of the old dog tend to accept each other easier. The same sex will fight and you will need to give the newer dog their own area for awhile until they learn to adjust to seeing each other around.

Consider the following things If you think your dog would benefit from spending time with other dogs or needs to be a bit more social in pubic, here are some things you need to consider: 1) The Right Preparation Before your dog is going to start meeting other dogs, work on some basic commands that will give you more control over the situation. Walking on a loose lease, especially in the presence of distractions is critical. Your dog should also come when called, and do a reliable sit/stay, again, with distractions. 2) The Right Strategy there are two methods of introducing dogs - on-leash and walking, and off-leash in the play area. On-leash works better if you don't have a secure, obstruction-free, enclosed space and if you are worried about how the dogs will react. Getting dogs walking together, especially if you are in control, gives them a chance to get used to one another, and gives you a chance to establish yourself as "top dog". Off-leash is great with social dogs and puppies. We have a divided play area, so they can get to know each other a bit, and if it goes well, we remove the barrier. One or both dogs will have a long line attached - in case things get a bit too exuberant. 3) The Right Energy If you are at all nervous about your dog's first encounter with other dogs, they will all pick up on your energy and decide there is something to worry about - this can actually start a fight if your dog feels the need to protect you. Stay calm and relaxed (while still in control) and you need to be confident. Take a couple of slow, deep breaths. Don't pull them close to you and don't clench the leash in a death-grip. If you're not sure you can handle the situation, consult with someone who can help. 4) The Right Place Especially if your dog is dominant, you need to introduce them to new dogs outside of their territory. Avoid bringing a new dog directly into their house or their yard, and maybe even their neighborhood as well. Arrange a play date at a quiet doggie park, at a local dog club or at a training facility even on a quiet street. 5) The Right Time Choose a time when you have time - so you aren't stressed with the worry of other pressures and issues. Think of it as yet another training exercise. If your dog isn't spayed make sure they aren't coming into heat. 6) The Right Friend Choosing the right dog for the first encounter is critical. If your dog is dominant or slightly testy at times, choose a dog that is calmer and more submissive. Generally, go for different ages and different sex - you may experience fewer dominance issues. And keep the size about the same. If you are adopting a dog from a rescue group, introduce the dogs before you make the final decision - and consult with the group about the right dog for your dog.

5 Steps to Getting Closer to Other Dogs 1) If your dog is not altered yet consider getting him neutered. Neutering should make him less aggressive since all the hormones are out of the way. 2) Invest in a good general lead collar. This collar looks more like a harness and helps you control the dog better since it wraps around the head. 3) If the aggression or fear may very likely cause him to bite get a basket muzzle. 4) Now, take him to the right place you choose and start working on desensitization. Keep him at a safe distance form other dogs. Watch carefully for signs of fear or aggression. If he remains relaxed, then slowly get closer and praise him lavishly if he maintains that relaxed posture. Keep getting closer and closer to the other dogs over the course of the following weeks. 5) Have a friend with another dog willing to help practice closer desensitization. Have you dog leashed and muzzled and ask the owner to slowly get the dog closer. Praise the dog's relaxed state by giving a treat. Slowly the dog should be able to accept the other dog's presence as it does not appear threatening anymore. This training method works because the dog gets to focus on the owner giving the treat rather than the dog getting closer. The dog as well will associate the dog getting closer with something pleasurable as a treat.