How do I get my dog to ignore other dogs on walks?

To train your dog to ignore other dogs, use positive reinforcement on your walks. Dog owners can use positive body language and treats to teach a dog how to sit and stay when called and to obey you when around other dogs. You can train a dog to ignore other dogs by following a few simple training methods. Dog owners can use these steps to train a service dog or to prepare them to be friendly at daycare. Prepare the right equipment, plan to bring along all of the gear you need to take your dog on a comfortable walk as well as bring training tools for positive reinforcement. Start walking at a distance from other dogs, you might begin by walking at a distance around a dog park where your pooch can see other dogs from afar. Use your clicker and high-value treats to bring their attention back to you when you notice them getting distracted by the other dog’s in the distance. Gradually move closer to other dogs, over the course of multiple days and dog walks, begin moving closer to other dogs while still using positive reinforcement to bring their attention back to you when distracted.

Teach them a Watch Me, do this randomly throughout the day, start where there are no distractions, and your dog isn’t doing something else. Say their name enthusiastically and when they look at you reward them with a high value treat. Once they can do this reliably, practise this everywhere – always rewarding them. Avoid places with many dogs, start training your dog the Watch Me exercise in a quiet place indoors where it’s just the two of you. Once you can do this at home, you can progress to the garden where there are more distractions from sights, sounds, and smells. Distract them when meeting other dogs, start off a long distance from them – beyond the point where your dog would usually react. All you want your dog to do is look at you, and you will reward this. Slowly build this up to being able to do it at closer proximity but never too close that your dog feels that they need to react to the other dog. Practice is key, remember that patience is very important when training any dog and you shouldn’t expect instant results. If your dog has been barking at other dogs or being reactive for a long time, it will take time, patience, and consistency to break the habit or change the behaviour. Use a long leash and avoid pulling on it, while you are training, you can use a comfortable harness with a long leash, this will allow your dog to have more freedom and practise your distraction training safely at a longer distance – and if you need to, gently guide your dog back to you.