How to Train Your Dog to Ignore Other Dogs in 5 Steps

Dog training is essential for a variety of reasons—the most obvious of which is that you can encourage good behavior and discourage undesirable behavior. When your dog successfully learns a new command, it builds the trust and affection they feel toward you, transforming your dog from the family pet to a loyal and reliable companion. Training can help puppy owners and dog owners alike enjoy their pet’s company.

Dogs get hyper around each other because they want to socialize and make new friends. It’s normal for your porch to want to rush toward a new dog and sniff or play with them. Dogs are pack animals that naturally want to be around other dogs. Sometimes dogs get aggressive to show dominance or because they are territorial, but often they are just curious about meeting a stranger.

You can follow a few simple training methods to teach a dog to not lunge or get overexcited when they see other canines. Dog owners can use these steps to train a service dog or to prepare them to be friendly at daycare. You can train a dog to ignore other dogs by following these steps:

1. 1. Prepare the right equipment. Plan to bring along all of the gear you need to take your dog on a comfortable walk as well as bring training tools for positive reinforcement. Use a collar and leash with which the dog feels comfortable. Have treats your dog loves and a clicker for helping your dog know when they have done something right.
2. 2. Take a walk with no distractions. Begin by taking a normal walk with your dog where there are no other dogs around. It’s normal for your dog’s attention to fly in every direction, especially if they are a new puppy. Allow them to explore and get their energy out, and then move onto the next step to begin dog training.
3. 3. Practice rewarding your dog when called. Every so often, stop and call your dog’s name. Reward your dog and use your clicker if they look at you and remain calm, but turn away and withhold the reward if they don’t. Use this training tip to teach your dog to “leave it” and to keep your dog’s behavior calm and controlled on a solo walk. Be patient and plan to practice this for multiple walks, especially if you have an overly reactive dog. Avoid pulling on a dog’s leash and try to be a gentle leader. You may need to have them lie down for a time-out if they become overexcited.
4. 4. Start walking at a distance from other dogs. Once you have trained your dog to stop, calm down, and leave objects alone while on walks, you can begin slowly walking around other dogs at a distance. You might begin by walking at a distance around a dog park where your pooch can see other dogs from afar. Use your clicker and high-value treats to bring their attention back to you when you notice them getting distracted by the other dog’s in the distance.
5. 5. Gradually move closer to other dogs. Over the course of multiple days and dog walks, begin moving closer to other dogs while still using positive reinforcement to bring their attention back to you when distracted. Eventually you can walk your pooch around another friendly dog and use your new training to teach them to leave the other dog alone. After many training sessions, you should be able to walk around other dogs and people while still keeping control.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.