How do I introduce my dog to other dogs at the dog park?
Diamond Funk
2025-06-22 04:33:53
Count answers: 13
Start on neutral territory where you have plenty of space, like a park, open field, or quiet street. Start on opposite sides of your space walking the same direction. When one dog looks at the other one, they get a treat. Keep walking until they are no longer focused on each other. Repeat your walk and reward method moving about 3-5 feet closer. As long as the dogs continue to pay more attention to you and less attention to the other dog, continue walking. If the dogs become too focused on each other, add more distance until they can successfully walk, take treats, and ignore each other. Slowly decrease the distance until the two humans can walk next to each other with the dogs to the far right and left of them, and can move forward without obsessing over the other dog. Once you’re consistently walking well, allow the dogs to circle and sniff each other for a few seconds then lead them away.
Marina Wilkinson
2025-06-22 02:49:37
Count answers: 8
When introducing your dog to other dogs at the dog park, observe a dog park before bringing your dog there. If you feel uneasy about any behavior you see, don't go in, go back at a different time. Make sure your dog is calm before going in. If your dog is lunging, barking and pulling you into the park, they could set other dogs on edge. If there is a group of dogs crowding the gate, wait until it's cleared before entering. Always ask the guardian of the other dog if it's OK to introduce the dogs. Introduce dogs in an area with lots of space, away from their homes. First walk the dogs at a safe distance apart, as the dogs get used to one another's presence, slowly move closer until both are calmly walking near one another. Watch body language, if you're seeing relaxed bodies, loose wagging tails, open mouths, and play bows, let the dogs interact for 5-10 seconds, praising and talking in a nice voice. Short greetings help keep interactions calm.
Cecil Wolf
2025-06-22 00:08:50
Count answers: 11
Keep your dog on a leash. Once they have made eye contact with the other dog, allow them to sniff the approaching dog. If you are at a dog park, walk around the perimeter (outside the fence). This allows your dog to meet the other dogs through the fence before entering. Calm, low voices. While your dog is meeting other dogs, humans should remain calm, with low voices to keep excitement out of the situation and to help reduce stress. Read their body language. Know your dog's body language; when they are stressed or becoming aggressive, it's time to move on. Pay attention to your dogs in the dog park. Your dogs may not be afraid, but other dogs in the park may be fearful and may need some space. Know when it's time to call them away from other dogs if situations become tense.
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