How to Keep Your Dog Calm Around Other Dogs: Expert Tips for Peaceful Walks

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Taking your dog for a walk in the park should be a relaxing experience, but if your pup gets overly excited or anxious around other dogs, it can quickly turn into a stressful outing.

I know firsthand how challenging it can be to manage a dog’s behavior when they’re eager to meet every furry friend in sight.

It’s not just about avoiding chaos; it’s about ensuring your dog feels comfortable and confident in social situations.

I’ve learned that keeping your dog calm around others isn’t just about training—it’s about understanding their needs and reactions.

Whether your dog is a social butterfly or a bit of a wallflower, there are strategies to help them stay composed.

Let’s explore some tips and tricks that can transform your walks from chaotic to calm, making them enjoyable for both you and your four-legged companion.

Understanding Dog Behavior

Recognizing how dogs behave around others can transform a chaotic walk into a peaceful stroll.

Your first step is observing signs and understanding triggers, which makes managing interactions much easier.

Signs of Anxiety and Stress

I’ve noticed that dogs express anxiety and stress in varied ways.

Panting, drooling, and trembling often indicate discomfort.

Some dogs exhibit pacing or avoiding eye contact when stressed.

Others might show more obvious cues like whining or barking excessively.

Knowing these signs helps you address your dog’s emotional state early.

Common Triggers in Social Settings

Among the things that set dogs off in social environments, encountering new dogs tops the list.

Crowded parks or unexpected noises can also unsettle them.

Some dogs react to changes in environment or unfamiliar people.

If you know what these triggers are, it allows for better preparation and handling during interactions.

Preparing Your Dog

A calm dog creates a peaceful walking experience.

By preparing your dog well, you can reduce anxiety and stress during encounters with other dogs.

Socialization Techniques

Introducing your dog to various social settings reduces anxiety.

Start by inviting friends with friendly dogs for controlled playdates.

Choose calm environments initially, gradually increasing complexity as your dog becomes more comfortable.

Frequent visits to dog-friendly parks or cafes help your dog get used to encountering different dogs and people.

Supervision ensures positive interactions.

Avoid overstimulation by monitoring your dog’s behavior and cutting social experiences short if signs of stress appear.

Training Commands for Calmness

Basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it” aid in keeping your dog calm.

Reinforce these commands at home before testing them in public.

Use treats and praise to reward obedience.

For example, practice “sit” when your dog spots another dog in the distance.

Consistent use of these commands will strengthen your dog’s responsiveness.

Consider enrolling in a professional obedience class to improve command execution and focus.

Techniques for Managing Dog Interactions

Effectively managing dog-to-dog interactions can alleviate stress. These techniques help ensure peaceful meetings.

Controlled Introductions

Introduce your dog slowly in a controlled setting.

When meeting a new dog, select a neutral space, like a quiet park section, where neither dog feels territorial.

Ensure both dogs are leashed to maintain control.

Gradually let them approach each other while watching for calming signs such as relaxed body posture and open-mouth breathing.

If tension arises, guide them apart gently, allowing time to settle before reattempting the introduction.

This gradual exposure helps prevent overwhelm or aggressive reactions.

Using Positive Reinforcement

Reward calm behavior with treats or praise.

During encounters, monitor your dog’s behavior.

When they exhibit calm actions, such as focusing on you or walking without pulling the leash, offer treats as encouragement.

This positive association encourages them to remain composed around other dogs.

Incorporate short verbal commands like “good dog” while providing the treat to reinforce verbal cues with rewards.

Over time, the dog associates calmness with positive outcomes, making future interactions smoother.

Tools and Accessories to Help

Equipping oneself with the right tools can make a big difference in keeping your dog calm.

Here are some useful accessories that cater to both comfort and stress reduction for your furry friend.

Leashes and Harnesses

Choosing the right leash and harness streamlines the experience.

A no-pull harness helps control pulling, providing gentle guidance when the dog encounters other dogs.

This kind of harness distributes pressure evenly, reducing discomfort and stress on the neck.

A retractable leash allows better control over the dog’s movements, enabling me to adjust the length quickly during encounters.

An adjustable harness, tailored for your dog’s specific size and comfort, prevents chafing and adds an extra layer of security while walking in social spaces.

Calming Aids

Calming aids decrease anxiety levels in dogs during stressful situations.

Thundershirt, a popular option, applies gentle pressure to the dog’s body, promoting a calming effect similar to swaddling a baby.

Pheromone collars, infused with dog-appeasing pheromones, create a reassuring environment for dogs by mimicking the comforting scent of a nursing mother.

Additionally, calming treats, containing natural ingredients like chamomile and valerian root, can soothe dogs’ nerves before and during interactions with other dogs.

Professional Help and Guidance

Sometimes our furry friends need a little extra help beyond what we can provide at home.

If you’re finding it tough to keep your dog calm around other dogs, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

I know some of you might think that the cost is prohibitive or that you find it hard to fit the sessions into your schedule, which is why I highly recommend that you at least sign up for an online training program.

You can learn at anytime, including on the go, and refer back to videos and notes whenever you need a refresher.

Please check out my favorite online course and invest in your dog’s growth. It is hands down one of the best things I’ve done as a dog owner for over 20 years.