Use this to teach your dog to stay calm and connected when passing other dogs.
1Find a large, quiet space and practice with a friend and their dog. If needed, consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter to bring a dog for practice.
2Start with both dogs about 20 feet apart, walking parallel in the same direction.
3Walk large laps and gradually decrease the distance between the dogs as your dog is successful.
4Mark and reward when your dog disengages from the other dog and makes eye contact with you.
5If your dog barks, lunges, or drags, increase the distance for a while before gradually closing the gap again.
6Once parallel walking is solid, position the dogs about 20 feet apart facing each other and walk toward, then past, one another.
7Mark as your dog begins passing, feed as you walk by, then transition to marking during the pass and feeding afterward.
8As your dog improves, gradually decrease the distance between the dogs and begin using food less often, praising your dog as they pass.
Decrease distance only while your dog can remain calm and reconnect with you.