How to help a dog stay calm around other dogs?

Seeking help
1

Does anyone have tips or maybe a good YouTube channel to watch? My 3-year-old mini Aussie Doodle gets way too excited around other dogs. It’s not aggressive, but he gets so hyper that he winds up the other dogs too. I’m afraid he’d lose it at a dog park, at least for the first time. I’ve thought about doggy daycare to help him socialize more, but it’s just not in my budget. What can I do to help him stay calm?

2

Check out Zak George’s YouTube channel. He has some really helpful training videos.

3

bonitar said:
Check out Zak George’s YouTube channel. He has some really helpful training videos.

Thanks. I’ll check it out.

4

Puppy_Prowess said:

bonitar said:
Check out Zak George’s YouTube channel. He has some really helpful training videos.

Thanks. I’ll check it out.

Glad I could help.

5

Do you know any super calm dogs? If you can, practice obedience with them around while keeping your dog on a leash. Once he gets used to staying calm and is rewarded for good behavior, let him meet the other dog. If he starts acting up, separate them, help him calm down, and try again. It takes patience, but it works.

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@shepherds
Thanks. That’s a good idea.

7

I’m following this because I need help with this too.

8

Putting him in daycare might not be the best idea. He’s not just excited; it sounds like he’s a bit unsure around other dogs, which can lead to problems if not handled correctly. What he needs is controlled and calm interactions to build confidence and predictability. Start with desensitizing him to other dogs. Introduce him to one or two steady, calm dogs that can help him learn how to behave without overwhelming him. I’m a behaviorist, and this approach has worked really well for dogs like yours.

9

@lorita
Thanks for this. I’ve noticed he can be fine when another dog surprises him, but he’s super overloaded on walks and gets very distracted. Do you have any advice for walks? I sometimes cross the street if I see another dog, but he does have one dog friend he plays with sometimes.

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@Puppy_Prowess
Keep walks as low-stress as possible. Use a long lead and try to avoid other dogs until he’s more comfortable. It sounds like he just needs time to adjust and feel safe. If you can, take him to quiet areas or even drive to trails where he can explore with fewer distractions. He’ll get there with some patience.

11

@lorita
Thanks so much. We’ve been trying trails, and it’s helping. I’ll keep at it.

12

Find the distance where he notices other dogs but doesn’t react. Start from there and work on obedience. Slowly move closer as he stays calm. If he starts reacting, back up again. Our trainer had us do a 2-week break from any triggering situations to reset our dog’s brain. It really helped create better habits and responses.

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@StephieStephie
That makes a lot of sense. Thank you.

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Puppy_Prowess said:
@StephieStephie
That makes a lot of sense. Thank you.

You’re welcome. Good luck with it.