What’s the best way to teach my dog to be steady around other dogs?

Establishing a Strong Recall

To begin teaching your dog to be steady around other dogs, it’s essential to establish a strong recall. This involves training your dog to respond promptly to a recall cue, such as their name or a specific command, even in distracting environments. Spend time in areas with minimal distractions, such as empty fields or quiet parks, and practice recalling your dog from varying distances, starting at 10 feet and gradually increasing to 50 feet or more. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage your dog’s response.

Desensitization and Counterconditioning

Once your dog has a reliable recall, you can begin the desensitization and counterconditioning process. This involves exposing your dog to the presence of other dogs at a safe distance, starting from a point where they show no reaction or mild interest. Begin by having your dog watch another dog from 50 feet away, then reward them for remaining calm. Gradually decrease the distance to 20 feet, then 10 feet, and eventually, to the point where they can see and smell another dog but remain steady. Counterconditioning involves associating the presence of other dogs with positive outcomes, such as treats and praise, to help your dog develop a positive emotional response to the stimulus.