If your dog barks, lunges, pulls or goes into a complete frenzy the moment they spot another dog on a walk, you'll know just how stressful it can be. What should be an enjoyable outing can quickly turn into an exhausting battle of wills — and it can feel like you're the only one struggling.
But you're not alone. Reactivity around other dogs is one of the most common behavioural issues dog owners face, and the good news is that with patience, consistency and the right approach, it's something you can absolutely work on together.
Here's everything you need to know about helping your dog stay calm and confident around other dogs.
Why Do Some Dogs React to Other Dogs?
Before you can address the behaviour, it helps to understand where it's coming from. Dogs that bark, lunge or pull towards other dogs are usually doing so for one of a few reasons:
- Fear or anxiety — They feel threatened by other dogs and react defensively
- Frustration — They want to say hello but can't, and that frustration spills over into reactivity
- Lack of socialisation — Dogs that weren't exposed to other dogs early in life may not know how to behave around them
- A bad experience — A previous negative encounter with another dog can leave a lasting mark
- Overexcitement — Some dogs simply get so excited at the sight of another dog that they lose all self control
Understanding the root cause of your dog's behaviour is the first step towards addressing it effectively.
Step 1 — Work on the Basics First
Before tackling reactivity around other dogs, make sure your dog has a solid foundation in basic commands — particularly sit, stay, look at me and leave it. These commands will become your most powerful tools when working around other dogs.
Practice these in a calm, distraction-free environment first until your dog responds reliably, then gradually introduce mild distractions before moving on to more challenging situations.
Step 2 — Understand Your Dog's Threshold
Every dog has what trainers call a threshold — the distance at which they can see another dog and still remain calm. Beyond that point, your dog is too overwhelmed to learn or respond to commands.
Your job is to always work below that threshold. Start at a distance where your dog notices the other dog but doesn't react, and work from there. This might mean starting on the opposite side of a field — and that's completely fine.
Step 3 — Use Positive Reinforcement
The most effective way to change how your dog feels about other dogs is through positive reinforcement — rewarding calm behaviour with high value treats, praise or play.
Every time your dog spots another dog and remains calm, mark the moment with a "yes!" or a clicker and reward them immediately. Over time your dog will begin to associate the sight of other dogs with good things happening, which gradually changes their emotional response.
Never punish your dog for reacting — this will only increase their anxiety and make the problem worse.
Step 4 — Practice the Look at Me Technique
Teaching your dog to make eye contact with you on command is one of the most useful tools you can have when working around other dogs. When your dog is focused on you, they can't be focused on reacting to what's around them.
Practice this at home first:
- Hold a treat near your face and say "look at me"
- The moment your dog makes eye contact, reward them
- Gradually increase the duration before rewarding
- Then begin practising on walks when another dog is at a safe distance
Step 5 — Gradually Decrease the Distance
Once your dog is consistently calm at their current threshold, you can very slowly begin to decrease the distance between them and other dogs — always going at your dog's pace and never pushing them beyond what they can handle.
This process is called desensitisation and it works by gradually exposing your dog to the trigger in a controlled and positive way until it no longer causes a reaction. It takes time, but it works.
Step 6 — Set Up Controlled Encounters
Ask a friend or family member with a calm, friendly dog to help you set up controlled training sessions. Having a predictable, non-reactive dog to practise around is far more manageable than dealing with random dogs on a walk.
Keep sessions short, positive and always end on a good note. Even a minute of calm behaviour around another dog is a win worth celebrating.
Step 7 — Stay Calm on the Lead
Dogs are incredibly sensitive to tension — and that includes tension travelling down the lead. If you tighten up and hold your breath the moment you see another dog approaching, your dog will feel it and interpret it as a signal that something is wrong.
Try to keep the lead loose, breathe steadily and project calm confidence. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your dog is likely to be.
Step 8 — Be Consistent
Consistency is everything when it comes to dog training. Work on this every single day, even if it's just for a few minutes on a walk. The more opportunities your dog has to practise calm behaviour around other dogs, the faster they will progress.
It's also important that everyone in the household is on the same page and using the same approach — mixed messages will only confuse your dog and slow down progress.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog's reactivity is severe, has escalated to aggression or is causing significant stress for you or your dog, it's worth seeking support from a qualified dog behaviourist or trainer. There's no shame in asking for help — in fact it's one of the best things you can do for your dog.
Look for a trainer who uses positive, reward-based methods and has experience working with reactive dogs specifically.
Final Thoughts
Training your dog to stay calm around other dogs is one of the most rewarding journeys you can go on together. It takes patience, consistency and a whole lot of treats — but the transformation is absolutely worth it.
At Urban Pet Shop we believe that every dog deserves to feel confident and happy out in the world. That's why we stock a range of premium walking accessories designed to make every walk easier, safer and more enjoyable for you and your dog. 🐾
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