How to train your dog to be around other dogs (step by step)

Dog

Behaviour

How-to: train your dog to be around other dogs

Advice by Wendy Kruger, Dog behaviour and training specialist

When you bring your puppy home, you might want to immediately set up playdates with all the dogs you know! But wait - it’s just as important for your dog to learn how not to meet other dogs as it is to teach them how to meet them and interact politely. A good rule of thumb is 1/3 of dogs you let them greet onlead, 1/3 you let them play with off lead, and 1/3 you ignore and don't say hello at all.

If your dog’s not interested in food or toys, hand-feed them their daily food allowance as a reward for doing what you ask, whether that’s sitting to put their lead on, or relaxing in their bed when you have a visitor.

Start a good distance away so that your dog is calm and can focus on you. Each time your dog spots another dog, say "yes!” and give them a reward. Keep walking, and continue saying “yes!” while rewarding them for calmly noticing the other dog.

This works for anything your dog finds exciting or scary! Play it with visitors, cars, bikes, dogs, and people that you see on walks – you can even do this with the vet to build your dog’s confidence!

To try greeting, ask your dog to sit or look at you, then tell them "say hello!". Keep your dog’s lead loose as you approach, and follow behind your dog to avoid lead tangles.

This will help your dog stay calm around other dogs, and learn that they don't get to play with every four-legged friend they see. Instead, they’ll learn to be patient and wait for permission before greeting other dogs, and calmly walk by and ignore them if they don’t.

Follow the three-second rule: call your dog away and give them a treat after they've said hello for up to three seconds. They can say hello again if both dogs look calm and comfortable, but keep things brief until you know they get along well.

This makes it less likely that one of the dogs will get overwhelmed, worried, or upset with the other, and helps to keep things positive.

More information

Keep training sessions short and positive, as self-control takes a lot of effort! If your dog is calm and quiet after seeing a couple of other canines, end the session. If you get a bigger reaction than expected, you’re probably too close, or seen too many for one day.

What your dog might be feeling

I bark at other dogs because I’m full of emotion. It could be that I’m excited and desperately want to say hello, but the lead is stopping me. Or I might be anxious, especially if the other dog wants to get to me but I don’t want them to.

Three things you can do today

Slow down reaction times

Burn off any excess energy 30 minutes before their training walk. If a dog hasn’t had enough exercise during their walk, they’ll react more quickly or intensely.

Keep your dog calm

Scent games and searching is a powerful tool to help your dog feel calm and confident. You can use food or toys in the garden or around the house.

Seek extra support

If your dog has an extreme reaction to other dogs, you may need some one-to-one advice, and possibly even medication to help your dog cope with their anxiety.

Hear from other humans

Picture of a dog — Carla

📍 Wales

Dog breed: Corgi

Dog age: 3 years

Owner expertise: Novice

I was struggling with my dog's anxiety, especially when we had to leave the house. Thanks to Woodgreen's advice, I've made some changes that have worked wonders. By sticking to a consistent routine, my dog knows what to expect each day, which has significantly reduced her anxiety.

This advice really helped me and my new pup! I tried teaching recall without your guidance and struggled. Woodgreen's step-by-step dog training videos break each action down for you and I'm happy to say we finally made progress!

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