There is nothing more frustrating than walking your dog and another dog comes in their line of sight which makes your dog get very excited.  Or your dog is absolutely fine with the presence of your dog but the other dog gets excited. It doesn’t matter that my dog is friendly.  Some dogs don’t get along and can change a nice, fun walk into a nightmare quickly.

Some things you can do is first, whenever you walk towards another dog with your dog don’t walk straight at the dog.  Try to make an arch so that it is less threatening for the dogs.  In the wild a straight line means an attack.  We realize that the dog has been domesticated but there are some instincts that remain.  Even a little move to the side will let all the dogs know nobody wants any trouble. It will also show your dog everything is OK.

Another thing that is helpful is dividing the dogs.  It is as simple as placing your dog on the other side of you so you come between the other dog and you. This technique is good if the other dog is on the other side of the street.  What you are saying to your dog is “I got this”, I will protect you. Your dog needs to know you will take care of them so they don’t have to protect themselves. Don’t try this if the dogs are close or  one is  lunging, you will most likely get bit.  Another thing you can do is walk behind a car or some object to get them out of sight. If they can’t see the other dog it could deescalate the situation.  Out of sight out of mind.

Learn about dog body language.   That is a large topic and too much for this overview.  A few quick points if you can see tensing in either dog’s body or check eyes, ears and mouth for any tensing or changes.  You can go online and find pictures of dogs that are fearful. If you work with a trainer ask them to help you identify body language to look out for.

Keep in mind that a dog that is tense or reactive is scared.  They may have been attacked by another dog so they are trying to protect themselves.  They may find all people scary and get tense which your dog may misinterpret.  Not all rescue dogs have been abused but they have been abandoned either in the woods or at a shelter so their trust level may be a bit low.  

If your dog is the one that is scared, it won’t just go away.  You may have to get a professional trainer to help you.  They can show you what to look for in your dog or other dogs to help avoid conflict.  They can work with you so your dog will feel safer as you walk.   They will also help you and your dog enjoy walks again.

One of the best  things you can do is not be there.  If you see a dog coming and you aren’t sure about the dog, cross the street and place yourself between the dogs.  Turn around and walk in the opposite directions.  Turn down a side street until they pass.  Avoidance is a good thing when it comes to dogs, that is what they want to avoid confrontation.  If your dog is the scared one and they don’t react to the other, let them know how proud you are of them.   

If you need a suggestion for a trainer please see our resource page for a list of trainers in the South Shore area. Link to page below:  https://joanofarkpetsitting.com/services-pricing/resources/