How to Keep Your Dog Calm Around Other Dogs

Socialization with other dogs is among the most critical parts of a dog's life, yet simultaneously it can be one of the most frustrating. Whether your dog gets overexcited, anxious, or aggressive upon the sight of another canine, managing their behavior in such instances is imperative. Now, in this article, we will walk into some details on how you can help your dog stay calm when around other dogs. We will explore some ways to allow your canine friend to not go spastic if other dogs are around, as well as introduce you to the dog relaxation protocol. Also on top of those, we will be talking about how to make your dog friendly around other dogs and how to make your pet enjoy social interaction with no stress or fear at all 

Understanding Your Dog's Behavior

To effectively deal with your dog in the presence of other dogs, you need to know why they are reacting a certain way. Dogs, much like humans, have different personalities and different temperaments. Some are social and enjoy the company of other dogs, but other dogs may feel threatened, anxious, or overstimulated by them.

Common Triggers for Reactivity

• Fear or Anxiety: It is said that a dog's reaction to some perceived threats from other dogs' presence may be aggression or excessive barking. Usually, this takes place when he is in fear or anxiety and needs to defend himself.

• Excitement: Some dogs become overly excited upon viewing other dogs. Consequently, this makes them jump, pull on their leashes, bark excessively, and wholly "go crazy." This excitement may be challenging to manage in the presence of other people.

• Territorial Behavior: Dogs naturally are protective of their territory. If they perceive another dog as an intruder against themselves, especially in the house or around a favorite spot, they will be aggressive.

• Lack of Socialization: Some dogs are not socialized well enough and, therefore, do not know how to act or react when they come across other dogs. The lack of such exposure can lead them to feel confused and reactive.

Having understood these causes, you shall be one step ahead in learning how to keep your dog calm around other dogs. Once you know the real cause of your dog's behavior, you shall go further ahead in steps for curing with an applicable approach.

How Do I Stop My Dog from Going Crazy Around Other Dogs?

Your dog probably goes crazy every time it sees another dog. It is relevant that you institute techniques that keep him in control. The following steps will help:

• Desensitization: This is a gradual introduction of your dog to the presence of other dogs in a controlled environment. For this purpose, start off keeping your dog and other dogs at such a distance from each other that your dog can observe the other dogs but does not feel threatened. Reduce this distance over time as he becomes more comfortable.

• Positive  Reinforcement:  reward your dog for not reacting to other dogs. This may be in the form of treats, praise, or any other thing your dog perceives as enjoyable. What's important is that the other dog's presence is something positive. For instance, every time he sees another dog yet does not bark or react, he gets a reward. This helps in reinforcing the notion that calm behavior is desirable.

• Redirection: The instant you feel that your dog begins to be reactive, the attention must be diverted to command or with a toy. You can simply ask him to sit or hold something dear for him to look upon. Attention is distracted at once, thereby arresting the buildup of reactivity in an upward spiral.

• Controlled Socialization: Engage in dog socialization with dogs that have a calm and balanced temperament, either through supervised playdates or by attending a dog training class. Control their socialization, as it helps in learning proper behavior in a secure environment.

• Exercise Before Socialization: The more tired your dog is, the lesser the overreaction. Ensure that before you introduce him to other dogs, he has had enough exercise. This will make him release the extra energy built in his body and make him manageable during socialization.

How Do I Socialize My Dog to Be Friendly with Other Dogs?

If the aim is to socialize a dog well with other dogs, then one could do several things that would encourage positive interactions.

• Early Socialization: If you have a puppy, the proper time for early socialization is very important. During the critical period of socialization, mostly between 3 and 14 weeks of age, your puppy needs to be exposed to a great number of dogs, people, and environments that will shape it into a well-adjusted adult dog. Socialization can be tried on an older dog, but this does take more time and patience.

• Demonstrate calm, confident body language: Your dog responds to your body language. If you're tense or anxious when approaching other dogs, your dog likely will be too. They can pick up on your cues and mirror your behavior. Instead, try to remain calm and confident. Your dog will look to you for guidance and reassurance.

• Group Training Classes: The group training classes will make for an excellent way to teach your dog some good ways of behaving among other dogs. Group dog training classes provide your dog with a structured environment within which your dog can learn some skills of obedience while being exposed to other dogs. In such a class, it is even easier to make sure that the interactions between dogs are both positive and safe, given the presence of a professional who always puts safety first.
• Dog-Friendly Area Walks: Take a walk with him to places where other dogs would be, such as parks or dog-friendly trails. This will get him used to the other dogs in his environment. Start by walking at a distance and lessening the space when he shows that he is ready for such situations.

• Reward Quiet Interactions: Immediately reward your dog at any time that he is interacting quietly and positively with another dog. This may be in the form of treats, physical affection, or praise. By making calm and friendly behavior reinforcing, you will help your dog begin to make a positive association with social interactions.

• Observe and Learn Dog Body Language: Understanding dog body language may also help you predict and control interactions. If your dog is uncomfortable or defensive, for instance, he would be best removed from a situation before an incident occurs.

Dog Relaxation Protocol

The Dog Relaxation Protocol remains one of the most effective ways to handle anxiety or reactivity in dogs with a structured training plan. The protocol, designed by the renowned veterinarian Dr. Karen Overall, aims to teach the dogs to remain calm and relaxed in different situations, including when other dogs are present around them.

What is the Dog Relaxation Protocol?

The Dog Relaxation Protocol works by gradually exposing your dog to these different stimuli while teaching him to remain calm and focused. Exercises are designed to be practiced daily and tailored to your dog's individual needs.

How to Implement the Dog Relaxation Protocol

Create a Relaxed Atmosphere: Start the relaxing work in a quiet, known environment where your dog feels secure. This can be a room in your house where he usually relaxes.

• Teach Basic Commands: Before beginning the protocol, make sure your dog has learned basic commands, including "sit," "stay," and "down." These commands will serve as the foundation for many of the exercises.

• Initial Short Sessions: With the relaxation protocol described, training sessions are only 15-20 minutes long. In that time, one asks the dog to perform a series of simple activities while distractions are presented to the dog.

• Gradually add Difficult Distractions: You will be adding more challenging distractions, such as the presence of another dog at a great distance. The idea is to teach your dog not to get all that worked up with stimuli that normally result in reactivity.

• Reward Calm Behavior: Praising and rewarding your dog, as you would in any form of training for not being overexcited and for keeping his attention on the exercises, can be through treats, praise, or his favorite toy.

• Consistency is key: consistency is of paramount importance, and anyone embarks on the protocol for the dog to be relaxed. Exercises should be done daily, adding more difficulty to them as the proficiency of your dog improves.

• setbacks: Your dog will have setbacks at various times; he may have an aggressive reaction to where he had previously reached a stage of calmly accepting the presence of other dogs. If this happens, it is necessary not to become discouraged but instead to revert to employing previously successful strategies, including returning to an area with lower distractions and practicing the relaxation protocol in an even more controlled environment. 

Remember that all dogs are different and what works for one dog may not work for another, so be patient, be flexible, and adjust your approach as necessary.

Additional Tips on How to Control Your Dog's Behavior Around Other Dogs

• Use a Head Halter or Harness: If your dog always pulls or lunges at other dogs whenever he sees them, you may want to have more control on walks. A head halter/no-pull harness is designed to minimize pulling and redirect your dog's attention to you.

• Practice obedience training: Regular obedience training reinforces good behavior and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Commands like leave it, focus, and heel work exceptionally well when other dogs are nearby.

• Be Environmentally Aware: While on a walk with your dog, take the time to be watchful for other dogs in your vicinity. If you notice another dog coming nearby and you know that your dog may react, use this opportunity to switch sides or change paths to avoid any potential confrontation.

• Avoiding off-leash dogs: If your dog is reactive or anxious, the best thing for you is to avoid off-leash areas where the dogs may approach without notice. Keep them in controlled environments where you can maintain safe spacing between dogs.

• Seek professional help if needed: if your dog exhibits severe reactivity or you are struggling to maintain control of your dog, reaching out for professional help from a dog trainer or behaviorist would be in the best interest of your case. They will give you further personalized advice and support your unique needs.

Benefits of a Calm and Social Dog

A calm, well-socialized dog is a joy to be with, not only for you but also for everyone else. A dog that exhibits calm behavior around other dogs adds to the quality of their lives in many ways, which include joining dog parks, participating in group hikes, and even joining various dog-friendly events. This keeps the level of stress between you and your dog at a minimum while making outings and social interactions much more pleasant. 

A calm dog is bound to forge healthy relationships with other dogs. Such social interactions will include friendship, playtime, and many other healthy moments. These positive moments add to your dog's well-being and happiness.