How to Train Your Dog to Not Attack Other Dogs

You have a concern: "My dog is aggressive towards other dogs."? You're not the only one in this situation, so there's no need to worry.

Different factors might trigger aggressive behavior. It can be fear, frustration, or high excitement. However, you can make your pup more social and calm with proper training.

Keep reading for some tips that will help you stop the attacks!

Teach the 'Watch Me' and 'Leave' Commands

The first method to stop your dog from attacking other dogs is to teach them essential commands. We recommend you start with Watch Me and Leave.

Also, don't underestimate the effectiveness of non-verbal communication. Using hand signals for dog training can be the best solution in some cases.

How to Teach 'Watch Me'

This command trains your pet to look directly at you for instructions instead of escalating.

Start your teaching process in a calm place with no distractions.

Hold a treat near your eyes and say 'Watch Me' in a calm but firm voice. Praise and reward after your puppy makes eye contact, even if it's short.

Repeat this activity several times a day and increase the duration of contact before giving a treat. Once you have properly trained your pup indoors, start practicing outside and add distractions.

How to Teach 'Leave'

This order tells your dog to ignore something that triggers excitement or aggression.

Place a toy or treat on the ground. Say 'Leave' calmly if your pet starts moving toward the object. Offer a higher-value reward from your hand if they pause or look at you.

Repeat this action until your pup consistently backs away or ignores the object. You can use this skill to redirect attention if they start to fixate on other pets.

Start Training in Quiet Places

A lot of stimuli can overwhelm your dogs when they're learning new skills. Walking around others right away is not an option if your puppy is anxious or reactive.

You have to create a peaceful training environment. Follow these steps:

• Choose a familiar indoor space

• Remove distractions

• Keep sessions short

• Practice core skills first

Then, you can gradually move training to your backyard or a quiet corner of your neighborhood. This progression builds your dog’s focus and confidence.

Build Patience during Meal Times

Your dog may be aggressive towards other dogs when they have problems with impulse control. You can teach your puppy self-restraint by practicing patience with food.

How do you build tolerance during mealtimes?

• Hold your pet's meal in one hand

• Ask them to sit

• Give the 'Wait' hand signal

• Begin to lower the bowl

If your pup moves or stands up, lift the bowl back up and reset. Keep doing this activity until they hold their position calmly. Release them with a clear cue and let them eat.

This practice helps your puppy learn that calm behavior earns rewards faster. It will help you prevent lunging or barking when they feel excitement or frustration in other settings.

Use Other Dogs for Training

You can include other pups in your training. Interactions with familiar and well-mannered dogs help your puppy become comfortable with them.

Setting Up Practice Environment

Recruit a friend with a calm pup or use your own second dog if you have one.

Start by keeping a proper distance. About 30-50 feet will be fine. Your pup will notice the other pet, but they won't react strongly.

Reward your puppy for any calm behavior, like

• Looking at you

• Sitting

• Ignoring

Next, you can reduce distance by a few feet at a time over multiple sessions. Make sure to watch for stress signals and increase distance again if needed.

Use Gameplay during Walks

The last method we want to suggest is gameplay. Games help to keep your dog’s brain engaged and focused on you instead of the environment.

Your pup will feel like they're working for rewards. So, there's a lower chance of boredom or overstimulation.

Here are some games you can try:

• Search for a toy

• Watch Me challenge

• Tug or fetch

• Trick training

These games make walks fun and help your dog associate being near others with positive experiences. However, pay attention to their behavior and teach them an 'All done' cue.

Conclusion

Many pet owners want to know how to stop their dog from attacking other dogs.

You have to be consistent and patient with training. Every puppy learns at their own speed.

You’ll see progress if you practice daily and remain calm yourself. Start training in a calm environment, teach them essential commands, and practice socialization with other pets.