How can I get my dog to like other dogs?

Is there any way I can train my dog to like other dogs? When I first got my dog he was is another kennel with a dog and seemed fine, after a while of having him he started showing a dislike for other dogs, he would bark and pull really hard on the lead to get to the other dog. Hes gotten better he doesnt bark anymore he growls a bit and pulls. But hes improved. But I still want to try and get him use to other dogs so I can start walking him with my friends dogs. Any ideas?

Answer #1

Your dog was clearly only socialized with the dog he was in the kennal with and now just does not understand HOW to socialize and say hi. When he pulls and growls show him that this is NOT how to say hello.

Answer #2

ditto to Krystal…he needs more exposure…what you might be seeing isn’t necessarily aggression but fear…DO take him runnin with your friends…but keep him on his leash…the very act of “migrating” with his person, other people and other dogs will let that pack instinct begin to kick in. You’ll see it start happening halfway thru the first jogging experience…Ask your friend to please use a leash, too, so there isn’t any accidental run in’s when you first get started…

Remember too…that YOUR anxiety, the nervousness YOU feel when a strange dog is approaching goes straight down the leash to him. He feels it, and in turn thinks “Wow , even mom doesn’t like these strange dogs…so I don’t either”…a vicious circle. Your mantra…”Cool and calm”.

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Answer #3

You need to expose him to more dogs, and you need to do it like it’s no big deal and he should act normal. Not like you’re getting hyped up over a big event that’s about to happen. Take him to dog parks (or beaches) - places where there are lots of dogs - and force him to sit and lay down until he gets to the point where he ignores all the dogs around him and just relaxes like no one else is there. Give him treats when he’s relaxed. Do this OFTEN.

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