How to Train Your Dog to Ignore Other Dogs (Expert Guide)

Is your dog overly enthusiastic, maybe even a little too friendly, when they see other dogs on walks? Or perhaps their reaction is fear or aggression, making outings stressful? Learning how to train your dog to ignore other dogs is key for peaceful walks. This guide offers simple, practical advice and training techniques to help your dog master polite detachment. We'll cover everything from understanding why your dog reacts to how to train your dog to ignore other dogs when walking, so you can both enjoy relaxed strolls together.

Sniffspot conducted a proprietary survey that found 66% of people with dog-reactive dogs report attempting to teach their dog to ignore other dogs. Of people that have not yet tried to teach their dog-reactive dog to ignore other dogs, 54% are confident that they would be successful while 46% are not confident that they would be successful.

If you’re in that 46 percent, this article is especially for you!

Should You Train Your Dog to Ignore Other Dogs?

Your dog being able to ignore other dogs can help keep you, them, and other pups safe. It also makes public outings easier for everyone involved (especially in crowded environments) — and it shows you respect the people and pets around you!

• Some dogs are reactive to other dogs, especially on a leash. If you come across another dog that doesn’t like yours, it’s best if your dog is able to ignore them. 
• It can be frustrating and dangerous to have your dog become fixated on another dog while on a walk. 

Key Takeaways

• Focus on building a strong connection with your dog. Training them to ignore other dogs really means teaching reliable focus on you, regardless of distractions. Start with a clear cue word and reward eye contact consistently.
• Practice in a variety of environments. Begin training at home, then gradually introduce your dog to new locations with increasing distractions. Safe, controlled spaces like Sniffspot parks are ideal for practicing around other dogs.
• Know when to seek professional help. If your dog's reactions are intense, involve aggression, or you're struggling to make progress, consult a certified professional dog trainer or a certified applied animal behaviorist.

What If I Want My Dog to Be Social?

Many dog parents want their dog to love other dogs and interact often. That can be a great goal depending on your lifestyle — but socialization is about far more than direct interaction.

Teaching your dog to ignore distractions (including other dogs) to focus on you instead can be a gamechanger for your relationship, behavior out in public environments, and confidence on both ends of the leash.

Safe Socialization: When & How to Introduce Your Dog

In general, by the time you’re showing your dog it’s okay to say hi or not, they should already understand and be able to ignore other dogs the majority of the time on walks. 

You may be okay with your pup interacting with other dogs while on a leash at certain times. But it’s essential that, first and foremost, your dog knows to ignore the other dog first. 

This means you need to determine how to let them know it is okay to socialize. There are a few ways to do this:

• If you come across a friendly dog that you are okay with them socializing with, simply stop walking and don’t give your dog the cue to look at you. (We go more into training this cue in the next sections!)
• After a few moments, most dogs will realize it is okay to socialize with this particular fellow pup. When it is time to continue the walk, give them the cue to look at you and then continue your walk. 
• Alternatively, you can designate a different cue like “say hi” or “it’s okay” to let your dog know that this is a situation where they can greet. This can be a great option for pups who are good at generalizing or who benefit from extra clarity in your communication.

Remember: Not Every Dog Wants to Play!

Be respectful of other dogs and their owners. Just because you feel good about your dog socializing does not mean the other owner does. Always ask before approaching another dog and handler — if possible, from a good distance away so there isn’t any pressure on the situation.

When in doubt, pay attention to everyone’s body language (and never follow another dog-handler team if they turn away from you, cross the street, or otherwise seem like they’re trying to create distance).

Understanding Your Dog's Reactivity

Before we dive into training, it’s helpful to understand why your dog might be reacting to other dogs. Knowing the root cause can inform your training approach and help you better support your pup. Reactivity isn’t always aggression—it’s simply a response to a trigger. Let's explore some common reasons behind this behavior.

Reasons Why Dogs React to Other Dogs

Over-Excitement

Many dogs pull toward other dogs simply because they're excited and want to play! This enthusiasm can quickly turn into frustration when they're on a leash and can't reach their potential playmate. This frustration can manifest as barking, whining, lunging, or even jumping. Think of it like a toddler throwing a tantrum because they can't have the toy they want—it's not necessarily aggression, but rather an expression of their unmet desire.

Fear/Anxiety

On the other end of the spectrum, some dogs react out of fear or anxiety. This can stem from past negative experiences, like being attacked by another dog, or from a lack of proper socialization during puppyhood. A fearful dog might bark, lunge, growl, or try to hide behind you when they see another dog approaching. These behaviors are driven by a desire to protect themselves from a perceived threat. For more information on fear-based reactivity, check out this guide to fear aggression in dogs.

Frustration

Frustration is a major player in dog reactivity. Leashes can be incredibly frustrating for dogs, especially those with a strong prey drive or a desire to socialize. They feel restricted and unable to interact with other dogs naturally, leading to reactive behaviors as they try to express their frustration. This can be especially challenging in busy environments like dog parks or crowded sidewalks. Purina offers some helpful tips on training your dog to ignore other dogs, which can help manage frustration.

Inability to Communicate Naturally

Dogs rely heavily on body language to communicate with each other. Subtle cues like a slight turn of the head, a yawn, or a lip lick can convey a wealth of information. Leashes, unfortunately, disrupt this natural communication. When dogs are restrained, they can't use their full range of body language, which can lead to misunderstandings and increased tension between dogs. This can escalate into reactive displays as dogs struggle to understand each other's intentions.

Aggression

While not all reactive dogs are aggressive, aggression can be a learned behavior that develops from underlying issues like fear, frustration, or miscommunication. A truly aggressive dog might exhibit behaviors like snarling, snapping, or biting. It's crucial to address the root cause of this aggression—whether it's fear-based or possessive—to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of both your dog and others. If you suspect your dog's reactivity stems from aggression, consulting with a certified professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist is highly recommended. You can find some top dog trainers on Sniffspot.

Is Your Dog Fearful or Aggressive?

Figuring out whether your dog's reactivity is rooted in fear or aggression is key to addressing the behavior effectively. A fearful dog will often display appeasement signals like tucked tails, lowered ears, and whale eyes (showing the whites of their eyes). They might try to avoid the other dog altogether or hide behind you. An aggressive dog, on the other hand, will typically display more dominant body language like a stiff posture, raised hackles, and direct stares. They might lunge, growl, or snap at the other dog. If you're unsure how to interpret your dog's behavior, consulting with a professional can provide valuable insights and guidance.

Essential Tools for Training Your Dog to Ignore Other Dogs

Not much is required for training, but these are a few basic things to have on hand:

• Leash: We recommend avoiding retractable leashes when starting out this training.
• Plenty of treats: High-value (according to your dog) treats in a small size so you can feed a lot of them in a single session
• Time: Practicing on walks is imperative, so you will need time to take several short walks each day
• Patience and calm behavior: It’s normal to become aggravated or impatient while working on ignoring other dogs with your pup! But a calm demeanor goes a long way in keeping your dog calm and having a positive learning environment

High-Value Treats

Having incredibly delicious, high-value treats is essential for this training. You want something your dog is willing to work for, even with the distraction of other dogs. While every dog is different, some common high-value treats include cooked chicken, hot dogs, string cheese, or even small training treats if your dog is especially food-motivated. If you’re unsure what your dog considers high-value, try a few different options and see what they react to best. Cooked sausages or low-salt meats are also great options, as Purina mentions in their article How to Train Your Dog to Ignore Other Dogs: 6 Top Tips.

Keep your treats small. You’ll be giving your dog a lot of treats during a single training session, so smaller treats will help prevent them from getting full too quickly (and keep their weight in check!).

Long Leash

Using a long leash, such as a 10- to 15-foot leash, can be beneficial for this training. It allows your dog more freedom to explore and sniff while still giving you control. This can be especially helpful if you're working in an environment with other dogs, as it gives your dog some space while still allowing you to manage their interactions. A long leash gives your dog more freedom while maintaining control, a point also made by Zigzag in their guide on training your dog to ignore other dogs. If you’re looking for dog parks or open spaces to practice with a long leash, check out Sniffspot's listings to find a safe and controlled environment near you.

Avoid retractable leashes for this type of training. They can create tension and make it harder to communicate clearly with your dog. A standard flat leash is the best option for clear communication and control.

How to Train Your Dog to Ignore Other Dogs

Being around other dogs is a huge and common distraction. By training your dog to ignore other dogs, you can keep your dog from disrupting others on walks or prevent a dog fight. 

In a sense, you’re not teaching your dog to ignore other dogs — you’re more accurately teaching them to pay attention to you when you request it, regardless of what is going on in the environment. It shouldn’t matter if you’re walking and passing other dogs or different distractions.

Of people that have tried to teach their dog-reactive dog to ignore other dogs, 37% report via Sniffspot’s survey that they’ve been successful.

• According to our proprietary research, the breeds with the highest success rates are:
  • Australian Cattle Dog
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Siberian Husky
• And the breeds with the lowest success rate are:
  • Australian Shepherd
  • German Shepherd Dog
  • Pitbull / American Staffordshire Terrier

Choosing the Right Cue Word

Sometimes referred to as command, a more positive-sounding term that means the same thing is a cue. Regardless of what you call it, you’ll want to choose your phrase and stick with it. Some familiar cues include:

• “Leave it”
• “Look at me.”
• “Watch me.”

Pick your cue phrase before you actually start training your dog. Planning ahead can help you avoid any in-the-moment confusion to make sure you stay consistent.

The "Look at That" Game

One effective method for training your dog to ignore other dogs is the "Look at That" game. This technique helps your dog learn to focus on you *and* manage their excitement around other dogs. The game works by rewarding your dog for noticing another dog and then redirecting their attention back to you.

To start, when you see another dog approaching, calmly say your cue word, such as "Look at me" or "Watch me." When your dog looks at the other dog, reward them with a high-value treat for acknowledging the distraction. Then, as soon as they look back at you, offer another treat. This reinforces the behavior you want: your dog recognizing other dogs but choosing to focus on you instead.

As noted in a guide by Purina, "The 'Look at That' Game helps calm excitement around other dogs by rewarding your dog for looking at the dog and then back at you." This method builds your dog's focus and helps them feel more secure, reducing anxiety and reactivity.

Practicing this game in various settings with different levels of distraction can significantly improve your dog's ability to ignore other dogs during walks. This approach enhances your dog's training and strengthens your bond. You can even practice in a safe, controlled environment like a Sniffspot.

By consistently playing the "Look at That" game, you can help your dog become more confident and less reactive, making walks more enjoyable for both of you.

Start Training at Home

You don’t want to immediately throw your dog into a high-energy situation and expect them to know what to do. 

You want to be sure that you can gain and maintain your dog’s attention when there is zero distraction before adding others dogs into the mix. 

Begin your training in your home or an enclosed private yard. 

Get Your Dog’s Attention

This begins by teaching your dog a cue (sometimes referred to as a command) that indicates that they should look at you. Once your dog looks at you and is paying attention to you, you can tell them what to do next, whether to heel, sit, lay down, etc!

To teach this cue, give your dog a lot of positive reinforcement when they look at you. Try to make sure the eye contact behavior is reliable before you actually associate the action with our verbal phrase.

You can start by holding a treat up to your face. When your dog makes eye contact with you, give them lots of praise and a high-reward treat. 

Continue to do this until your dog makes eye contact with you before looking at the treat. 

Basic Obedience Training: A Foundation for Success

Training your dog in basic commands is essential for establishing a strong foundation for more advanced training, including teaching them to ignore other dogs. Commands such as "sit," "stay," "down," and "leave it" not only enhance your dog's obedience but also improve their focus and self-control in distracting environments. These commands create a framework that allows your dog to learn to ignore other dogs effectively, enhancing their behavior and your overall experience during walks. A strong "heel" command can also help your dog stay close, even when other dogs are around (MasterClass).

Sit

Teaching your dog to “sit” is one of the first commands you should master. It helps your dog learn to be calm and attentive, which is crucial when encountering other dogs. Start by holding a treat in front of your dog's nose and slowly move it over their head towards their tail. As their nose follows the treat, their rear end will naturally lower into a sit position. Once they sit, say "sit," give them the treat, and offer praise. Repeat this process, and your dog will eventually associate the word "sit" with the action. You can find more tips on teaching "sit" on AKC's website.

Stay

The “stay” command is vital for ensuring your dog remains in place when you need them to focus on you rather than other distractions. This command can be particularly useful in crowded areas where other dogs may be present. After your dog sits, hold your hand up in a "stop" gesture and say "stay." Initially, only ask for a short stay, gradually increasing the duration as your dog improves. Reward them with a treat and praise for remaining in place. The ASPCA offers helpful advice on teaching "stay" effectively.

Down

Teaching your dog to lie down can help them relax and reduce excitement when they see other dogs. This command can be a calming signal for your dog, allowing them to refocus on you. With your dog in a sit, hold a treat near their nose and lower it to the ground. As they follow the treat, their body will naturally lower into a down position. Once they are down, say "down," give them the treat, and offer praise. Consistent practice will solidify this command. For visual learners, this video tutorial demonstrates the "down" command effectively.

Leave It

The “leave it” command is essential for preventing your dog from engaging with other dogs or distractions. It teaches them to ignore things they might want to approach, which is crucial for maintaining control during walks. Place a treat in your open hand and present it to your dog. When they try to take it, close your hand and say "leave it." Once they stop trying to get the treat, offer them a different treat from your other hand and praise. This teaches them that ignoring the initial offering leads to a reward. Practice "leave it" with various distractions, gradually increasing the difficulty. As highlighted by Sniffspot, teaching your dog a cue that indicates they should look at you is a key part of training them to ignore other dogs. For more in-depth training tips, check out this article from VCA Animal Hospitals.

Introducing Your Cue Word

After this point, you can now add in a cue phrase. You can choose whatever you like, but always be consistent and say the phrase as you hold the treat up while giving positive reinforcement when they make eye contact. 

Continue practicing this until your dog looks at you without needing the treat. 

Mastering Loose-Leash Walking

Before moving on to high-energy and high-traffic environments, you need to make sure your dog can walk politely on a leash. 

To do this, say your cue phrase while walking on a leash. Keep a tight leash (with no slack) so your dog is next to you. Carry a bag of treats and give one to them every few minutes as you continue walking. 

If your dog starts getting distracted, repeat the cue phrase. Once they turn and make eye contact, give them a treat and plenty of praise.

Practice this on every single walk. Eventually, your dog should walk next to you politely and look toward you during walks without treats. 

Heel Training

Once your dog understands the cue word and looks at you consistently, you can start incorporating the “heel” command. A strong “heel” redirects your dog’s attention back to you when they see another dog, diffusing potential reactivity. As mentioned in this Reddit discussion on dog training, rewarding your dog for staying in the heel position, especially when there's tension on the leash, reinforces this positive behavior.

Start practicing “heel” in a low-distraction environment like your home. With your dog on a leash by your side, use your chosen cue word (like “look” or “watch me”) to get their attention. As they make eye contact, say “heel” and begin walking. Reward them with a treat and praise for walking by your side. Gradually increase the duration of the heeling, rewarding them frequently for maintaining the position.

Addressing Pulling and Whining

Pulling and whining are common frustrations during walks, especially when other dogs are present. The key is to consistently reinforce loose-leash walking, starting in distraction-free areas and gradually adding distractions, as suggested by Zigzag’s training guide. If your dog starts to pull or whine, stop walking immediately. Use your cue word to regain their attention. Once they focus on you, reward them and resume walking. This teaches them that pulling and whining get them nowhere, while focusing on you earns rewards. For more tips on loose-leash walking and managing reactivity, check out Sniffspot's guide on dog reactivity.

Remember, patience is key. Maintaining a calm demeanor creates a positive learning environment for your dog. Consistent practice and positive reinforcement will eventually lead to more relaxed and enjoyable walks for both of you, even around other dogs. You can even find the perfect place to practice on Sniffspot—check out our dog parks near you!

Troubleshooting Leash Training Challenges

If your dog pulls hard on the leash, it could hurt itself. This puts a lot of pressure on their neck, and many may feel the need to buy tools such as prong collars, but this can lead to even further injury. 

Instead, you may want to try a harness. Harnesses no longer hurt your dog, and they’re difficult for your dog to escape from. However, some dogs pull even harder with them. 

In these cases, you may consider a harness that clips in two locations and will require the use of a double-ended leash. This harness and leash combination gives you much more control over them and doesn’t hurt them in the process. 

Practice Makes Perfect: Vary Your Training Locations

Once your dog looks at you after you use your cue phrase and without needing a treat, you can then move on to practicing in different environments and with distractions. 

Start by taking your dog on walks in different locations. Go on various routes, so the distractions are frequently new and different. 

Try practicing in these places:

• Walks where there are lots of dogs. This can be either places you know other people walk their dogs or areas where you know there are lots of dogs in yards that are distracting. 
• Walks where there are other animals. Practicing in parks or trails with other animal distractions such as rabbits or squirrels is a great idea. 
• Walks where there are a lot of people. Take your dog on walks in urban areas or spots with lots of people.

Distance Management: A Gradual Approach

Start training in a controlled environment where your dog can see other dogs but isn’t immediately tempted to approach them. A great option for this is a Sniffspot, where you can find safe, private spaces for your pup to practice. As your dog becomes more comfortable, slowly move them closer to other dogs, rewarding them for staying calm and focused on you. This gradual approach builds confidence and reinforces the desired behavior, as explained in this MasterClass article on dog training.

Remember, patience is key. Some dogs may take longer to adjust than others. Don’t rush the process, and always prioritize your dog’s comfort level. If they show signs of stress or anxiety, increase the distance between them and the other dogs.

Existence Socialization: Desensitization Without Interaction

This focuses on getting the dog used to being around other dogs without actively interacting. The idea is to desensitize the dog to the presence of other dogs, reducing the urge to greet them. Existence socialization can be particularly helpful for dogs who are reactive or overly excited around other dogs, as discussed in this helpful Reddit thread.

Find a spot where your dog can observe other dogs from a safe distance. It could be a park bench, a quiet corner of a dog park, or even your own backyard if you have a fence. Reward your dog for calm behavior while they observe the other dogs. Over time, they'll begin to associate the presence of other dogs with positive experiences, leading to a decrease in reactivity and an increase in their ability to ignore distractions. If you're looking for a safe and controlled environment for existence socialization, consider booking a private Sniffspot.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

Explore spots near me

Advanced Training Techniques

Once your dog understands the basics, you can start incorporating more advanced techniques to solidify their ability to ignore other dogs. These strategies build upon the foundation you've already established, helping your dog develop greater focus and impulse control.

Mat Work: Building Focus and Impulse Control

Mat work is a fantastic way to teach your dog to settle and focus, even with distractions present. Start by teaching your dog to “go to their mat” and stay there. Reward them heavily for staying put, initially in a quiet environment. As they get the hang of it, gradually introduce mild distractions, eventually working your way up to having other dogs nearby. This method, discussed on Reddit, is excellent for building focus and self-control. You can even use this technique at a Sniffspot! Start with a private fenced area where you can control the environment and gradually introduce other dogs at a distance.

Proximity Games: Encouraging Closeness

Playing proximity games strengthens your bond with your dog and encourages them to focus on you. Games like "find it," where you toss treats on the ground and your dog searches for them while staying relatively close, can be highly effective. These games, recommended by Zigzag, teach your dog to look to you for guidance and reward, making it easier for them to ignore other dogs when you're out and about.

Controlled Interactions and Release Cue: "Go Play"

Once your dog reliably ignores other dogs, you can introduce controlled playdates with friendly, well-socialized dogs. Using a release cue like "go play" gives your dog clear permission to interact, reinforcing the idea that they should only engage with other dogs when you say it's okay. This method, suggested by Purina, helps maintain control and prevents unwanted interactions.

Positive Interrupters: Redirecting Attention

A positive interrupter is a distinct sound or cue that redirects your dog's attention away from another dog. This could be a clicker, a specific word, or even a kissy sound. When you see your dog fixating on another dog, use the interrupter to break their focus and then reward them for looking at you. This technique, discussed in various online dog forums, is particularly helpful for managing reactivity and preventing escalation.

Luring and Redirection

Luring and redirection is a simple yet effective method for managing distractions. Keep high-value treats on hand and use them to lure your dog away from other dogs. If they start to pull or fixate, use a treat and your cue word to redirect their attention back to you. This technique, also recommended by Zigzag, helps them learn to disengage from the distraction and focus on you instead.

Expert Trainer Review

We want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by qualified force free trainers.

This is the trainer that reviewed this article:

Rayanne Spence CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT
Professional Dog Trainer – Animal Medical Center of Hattiesburg

When to Seek Professional Help

It’s important to recognize that you can’t solve all dog reactivity issues with DIY training. Sometimes, you need professional guidance for the safety and well-being of your dog and others. If your dog's reactivity is severe, involves aggression, or you're simply struggling to make progress, consider consulting a certified professional dog trainer or a certified applied animal behaviorist. They can assess your dog's specific needs and develop a tailored training plan.

Here are some signs that it might be time to seek professional help:

• Severe Reactivity: If your dog's reactions are intense, such as lunging, snapping, or excessive barking, it’s crucial to seek professional guidance. As Purina points out, professional help is especially important when aggression is involved.
• Struggling to Make Progress: Even with dedicated effort, you might find yourself hitting a wall with your training. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to proceed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. As suggested in this Reddit discussion, consulting a trainer can provide valuable support and insights.
• Signs of Aggression or Extreme Fear: Aggression toward other dogs, or extreme fear and anxiety in their presence, requires expert intervention. Zigzag emphasizes the importance of professional help in these situations.
• Difficulty Focusing: If your dog struggles to focus on you in the presence of other dogs, even with high-value treats and consistent cues, a professional trainer can help you develop more effective strategies. MasterClass highlights this as a key indicator that professional training might be beneficial.
• Overly Reactive or Aggressive Behavior: If your dog's reactivity escalates or they display aggressive behaviors, seeking guidance from a qualified trainer is essential for managing their behavior and ensuring safety. Your Dog's Friend offers resources and advice on dealing with reactive dogs. Finding safe spaces for your dog to de-stress and enjoy themselves is also important. Sniffspot offers a variety of private dog parks that can provide a controlled environment for reactive dogs.

Remember, seeking professional help is a sign of responsible dog ownership. A qualified trainer can provide personalized guidance and support to help you and your dog achieve your training goals and create a positive and safe environment for everyone. You can find a directory of certified professional dog trainers through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).

Sniffspot Survey Data

Sniffspot Research 2023, n = 4,092

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

Explore spots

Find the Perfect Space for Training on Sniffspot

As you progress through these training steps, remember the importance of a controlled environment. As we mention in our article on how to train your dog to ignore other dogs, controlled environments are essential for effective training. They allow your dog to learn without overwhelming distractions. That's where Sniffspot comes in. Starting your training at home, as recommended here, is a great first step. But to truly solidify the "ignore" cue, you'll need to practice in a variety of locations with different levels of distraction.

Sniffspot offers thousands of private dog parks across the country, providing the perfect setting for focused training sessions. These parks offer a safe, enclosed space where you can work with your dog without the unpredictable encounters and distractions of public dog parks. This controlled environment allows you to introduce distractions gradually, at your dog's pace. Whether you're working on basic obedience or addressing reactivity, a private Sniffspot park gives you the space and peace of mind to focus on your training goals.

Once your dog is reliably responding to your cue at home, a Sniffspot park can be the ideal next step. As discussed in our article on training your dog, practicing in various locations is key for long-term success. You can even find Sniffspots with specific features to challenge your dog, like water parks for added distractions or trails for practicing loose-leash walking. By using Sniffspot, you can create positive training experiences that build your dog's confidence and strengthen your bond. And who knows, you might even discover some new favorite places to explore with your furry friend!

Related Articles

• Train Your Dog to Ignore Other Dogs (Facts + Infographic)
• How to Socialize Your Reactive or Unsocialized Adult Dog
• Fear Aggression in Dogs: A Practical Guide for Owners
• How to Exercise a Reactive Dog Off-Leash: A Safe Guide
• Dog Reactivity Training | When Your Dog Reacts to Other Dogs

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

Explore spots near me

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My dog is friendly and loves other dogs. Why should I train them to ignore other dogs? Even if your dog is social, teaching them to ignore distractions—including other dogs—is a valuable skill. It strengthens your bond, improves their focus, and makes public outings much smoother. It also allows you to choose when and with whom your dog interacts, ensuring safer and more respectful socialization.

Q: What if my dog gets frustrated when they can't greet other dogs? Frustration is normal, especially at the beginning. Use high-value treats and positive reinforcement to make focusing on you more rewarding than fixating on other dogs. Start training in a low-distraction environment and gradually increase the difficulty. If your dog pulls or whines, stop, regain their attention with your cue, and reward them when they look at you.

Q: My dog pulls hard on the leash, even with a harness. What should I do? A harness that clips in two locations (front and back) used with a double-ended leash can provide better control without causing harm. This setup gives you more leverage and helps redirect their pulling. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are still key, even with specialized equipment.

Q: How can I practice "ignoring" in a safe and controlled environment? Sniffspot offers private dog parks that are perfect for practicing this skill. These enclosed spaces allow you to introduce distractions gradually, at your dog's pace, without the unpredictability of public dog parks. You can even find Sniffspots with specific features, like water parks or trails, to add more challenges as your dog progresses.

Q: When should I consider seeking professional help for my dog's reactivity? If your dog's reactivity is severe (lunging, snapping, or excessive barking), involves aggression, or you're not seeing progress with training, it's time to consult a certified professional dog trainer or a certified applied animal behaviorist. They can assess your dog's individual needs and create a tailored training plan.