Reggie's a maniac when he sees other dogs

[Stephanie & Reggie]

Does anyone have any advice for teaching puppies manners when it comes to seeing other dogs?

Reggie LOVES meeting new dogs. So much that he's always barking at them from across the street, or pulling on the leash when we are walking, or going totally ape $h!t when we approach the dog park. I know that his commotion is just excitement, but to others, he just seems out of control - not a good playmate... 

I've tried asking other dog owners (while on walks) if Reggie can say "hello", but we cannot possibly do that for every dog we come across - so many dogs in our 'hood. Also, I think it's a bad habit to get into, acting all nuts when meeting new friends. First impressions are lasting impressions, after all ;) The last time we tried to go to the dog park, we ended up not even going in because he was being such a spazz, and I didn't want to reinforce the behavior. 

Once he meets the dog, his manners improve pretty significantly, but the initial meeting is pretty intense. Reggie has 2 other doggie friends he plays with regularly (even though he sees them often, still does the barking/pulling/crazy thing, even if they have been playing for 4 hours and re-see each other after 5 minutes of separation) and meets probably 5 or so new dogs on walks each week. He is 7 months old :) We have some other puppy friends and are setting up playdates, but wondered if anyone had advice on how to set things up so he can learn some good lessons and hopefully improve!

Thanks everyone!

Stephanie

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

The prong collar can be a great tool, but that's all it is...just a tool.  I really think you will need a good trainer to teach you exactly how and when to give the correction.  Timing is critical and if you aren't using it correctly it won't take very long for your dog to become collar wise.  Also, you mention that you believe recently he is actually reacting out of fear.  If that is the case, then prong collar pops can only reinforce that other dogs need to be feared.  It usually takes a professional to really determine if your dog's behaviors are fear reactiveness or because they're just excited and want to meet the other dog....it's all about their body language.

[Mary Beahm]

So glad I saw this advice.  I have a newly adopted doodle that is 2 yrs old. I  have had her for less than two months.  She too gets so excited when she sees other dogs.  If they bark, growl, etc , then of course she does as well.  Even at 30 lbs, a dog gets strong.  Trudie has a lot of energy and we usually go out early.  We are both worn out at the end of the walk and I am not looking forward to the next day.  Even getting her to sit if I see another dog, does not work well if the other dog comes near.  Thanks for the good advice and knowing it all takes lots of time.

Mary

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

We have just started another training class that incorporates distractions -  something Quincy is not good with, particularly other dogs.  The advice here by Adina and others is exactly what we are being taught to do with him, and it is tons of work, but hopefully worth it in the end.  We went into town this weekend and it was very, very trying.  Our boy that walks loose leash on his regular (fairly isolated) walk was pulling most of the time and sniffing every light post in sight.  It will take time, but we are determined!  

[Mary Beahm]

After reading these suggestions, I took Trudie for a walk near the street rather than the paseos for fewer distractions.  This seemed to work well and I was using the commands as well.  This is truly a learning experience for us both.  We did have some food on the street and dropped from trees as well as a couple of dogs, but it was so much easier than going with all of the grass, trees, squirrels, birds, etc.  I will keep you advised.  These dogs are so smart!

Mary

[Sally S Miles]

Here we have taught this girl to sit prior to anything - other dogs? Sit.... Hours of heading to the park or in our very quiet neighborhood - to sit and watch the other dogs!  She has had too sit and watch kids on bikes and on and off school bus.

Want petting? Sit. Want to see other dog? Chill.  No sit - no chill - no way.    She is allowed to accept approach, but not to approach - make sense? 

If  that reactive to other dogs a trainer is in order, but dog parks would be totally off my list.  The point behind training is to teach dog and owner how to respond to varying situations, with distractions - but have to start without them.  Baby steps build into long distances when take carefully.