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Are you actively training your dog to be calm around other dogs? Me too! Some dogs are overexcited around other dogs. Some are afraid, anxious, or shy. They all need extra space to learn to be calm. This meetup is to organize regular pack walks to practice positive reinforcement around other dogs in a controlled setup so our dogs get some safe real-life practice.

Here’s how it will work:

  1. All dogs must be on leashes no longer than 6 feet. No flexi or retractable leashes.

  2. One dog per person. But feel free to bring two people and two dogs if you want.

  3. You must be able to control your dog and not release the leash or be dragged by your dog.

  4. Muzzles are welcome if you think your dog needs it.

  5. Determine your dog's level:

    1. Red: Reacts to most dogs 10 feet away or more = Stay away
    2. Yellow: Will warm up to dogs with an appropriate introduction = Ask to approach
    3. Green: Dog is neutral to other dogs and people = You may approach

  6. Wear a shirt or use a dog bandana or leash wrap to show people how far away they need to stay from you and your dog: (I have some bandanas available for those who need them)

    1. Red = Stay away!
    2. Yellow = Remain at a distance and ask to approach
    3. Green = Come say hi!

  7. We will bring our dogs to the established meeting places and remain at the distance indicated by the color you or your dog is wearing. Then we will go for a pack walk or whatever other activity is planned (I hope to schedule some cafe visits in the future).

    The goal is to keep your dog under threshold. If they are reacting, you are too close to another dog. Move further away until you find a place where your dog is calm in the presence of other dogs. If it is totally boring, then you are doing it right. If your dog is constantly over threshold, barking, lunging, jumping, straining on the leash, or even just tense and staring, then this can have the opposite effect that you want.

    I recommend you use rewards to help your dog associate being around other dogs with something they like. Rewards can be treats, pets, praise, or a favorite toy that your dog can play with on-leash. Whatever best motivates your dog.

    Some dogs may feel overwhelmed, so keep the session short, depending on your dog's tolerance level. Feel free to drop in just for 10 minutes or so.

Watch the video below to get an idea of how this works.