How to Help Your Dog Get Used to Being Around Other Dogs Without Getting Over-Excited
As a dog owner, one of the most common challenges you might face is helping your dog feel comfortable around other dogs—especially when they get overly excited or reactive. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, socialising them properly is essential for their emotional well-being and for maintaining harmony in your home and community. However, it's not just about letting them run free with other dogs and hoping for the best. Proper socialisation requires controlled, consistent exposure in a safe environment.
In this blog, we’ll focus on the importance of attending regular training classes in controlled situations, and how this can help your dog develop better social skills without getting overly excited or overwhelmed.
1. Why Is It Important to Socialise Your Dog with Other Dogs?
Socialising your dog is more than just an opportunity for them to interact with their peers; it’s a key part of their emotional development. A dog that’s well-socialised tends to be more confident, less anxious, and more manageable when encountering new dogs. On the other hand, dogs that aren’t exposed to other dogs may become fearful, reactive, or overly excited when they encounter a new dog.
Socialisation also helps your dog learn boundaries—both their own and others’. A well-socialised dog knows how to communicate with other dogs, recognising when play is too rough and when it’s time to calm down. This is important for your dog’s safety and for the safety of other dogs they meet.
2. The Challenge of Over-Excitement
While it's fantastic that your dog loves being around other dogs, sometimes that enthusiasm can get out of hand. Dogs that are over-excited can easily escalate situations, leading to stress for both themselves and the dogs around them. Over-excitement can lead to undesirable behaviours like jumping, barking, or even inappropriate play, which can make other dogs feel uncomfortable or even cause fights.
Understanding why your dog gets over-excited is key. It’s often a result of pent-up energy, excitement, or anxiety. Your dog might struggle to regulate their emotions and respond impulsively, making it harder for them to engage with other dogs in a calm and controlled manner.
3. The Importance of Regular Classes in Controlled Environments
One of the most effective ways to help your dog get used to being around other dogs without getting too excited is by enrolling them in regular training classes. These classes are designed to expose dogs to one another in a structured, controlled way, making them an ideal environment for socialisation.
- Controlled Exposure: In a training class, the interactions between dogs are carefully managed by a professional trainer. This ensures that your dog is introduced to other dogs gradually and in a way that doesn’t overwhelm them. The trainer will be able to monitor the situation and intervene if necessary, preventing your dog from becoming over-excited or over-stimulated.
- Building Positive Associations: Attending regular classes provides your dog with the opportunity to form positive associations with other dogs. Rather than being overwhelmed by an uncontrolled free-for-all, your dog will start to associate the presence of other dogs with calm, controlled behaviour. This helps your dog learn that they don’t need to react with excitement or fear when another dog is around.
- Learning Appropriate Play Styles: In classes, dogs learn how to read each other's body language, signals, and cues. This is important because not all dogs want to engage in play in the same way. Regular classes will allow your dog to practice respectful play and understand when another dog isn’t interested in interacting, which helps prevent them from becoming overly pushy or aggressive in the future.
- Professional Guidance: A qualified dog trainer will teach you how to read your dog’s body language and how to manage their excitement levels. They can provide you with strategies and techniques to help your dog stay calm and focused, both in class and outside of it. Having a professional guide you through the process can make a world of difference in your dog’s ability to socialise effectively.
4. What to Expect from Training Classes
Training classes are typically organised in small groups, allowing your dog to meet other dogs in a controlled manner. You’ll likely start with basic obedience training to build your dog’s focus and attention. From there, the classes will progress to more complex socialisation exercises, such as walking alongside other dogs, sitting calmly near other dogs, and gradually increasing the level of interaction.
Your dog will be exposed to other dogs of varying ages, breeds, and energy levels. This diversity will help them learn to adjust to different personalities and temperaments. Over time, your dog will start to feel more comfortable in these situations, which will reduce their over-excitement.
5. Tips for Success in Training Classes
- Be Consistent: Just like any other training, consistency is key. Attending regular classes helps reinforce good behaviour and helps your dog become accustomed to the routine. The more often your dog is exposed to controlled situations with other dogs, the more confident they will become.
- Manage Your Expectations: It’s important to be patient with your dog during this process. Some dogs may take longer than others to calm down around other dogs. Celebrate small victories, such as staying calm during a brief interaction, and continue to build from there.
- Focus on Calmness: In addition to attending classes, you can practice calmness at home by teaching your dog to relax on command. Encourage calm behaviours with rewards and praise, and work on impulse control exercises to help them learn to self-regulate.
- Keep Sessions Short and Positive: If you notice your dog becoming over-excited during class, don't push them too hard. Allow them to take breaks and process what they've learned. Gradually increase the level of interaction as your dog becomes more comfortable and better able to manage their excitement.
6. What to Avoid
- Uncontrolled Play: Avoid taking your dog to places where they can interact with other dogs off-lead without proper supervision, such as dog parks or unsupervised meet-ups. Without the guidance of a trainer, these situations can quickly get out of control and can encourage your dog’s over-excitement or lead to negative experiences with other dogs.
- Punishing Over-Excitement: It’s important not to punish your dog for being over-excited, as this can lead to confusion and anxiety. Instead, focus on teaching them how to stay calm and redirecting their energy.
Conclusion
Helping your dog get used to being around other dogs without becoming over-excited is a gradual process that requires patience, consistency, and the right kind of environment. Regular training classes in controlled situations provide the perfect opportunity for your dog to socialise safely, learn proper play behaviour, and manage their emotions. With the right guidance and regular exposure to well-structured social situations, your dog will become more comfortable, calm, and confident around other dogs, making their interactions much more enjoyable for everyone involved.
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