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Dog-dog reactivity is an increasingly common problem and it can often have a terrible impact on quality of life, for dogs and humans alike. But most reactivity problems can be addressed with the right training methods.

For the next few days, we're offering our online Dog-Dog Reactivity Workshop for 75% off the regular price. 
In this workshop recording, you'll see a roomful of reactive dogs learning to relax around one another. This offer expires on Thursday, August 31st at Midnight Pacific Time. All Dunbar Academy purchases come with a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.

If you are struggling with dog-dog reactivity, here are 7 tips to help you out:

1. Objectively assess the severity and danger
Has your dog ever attacked another dog and injured them? If so, then you have a serious and dangerous problem and your number one priority should be managing your dog to keep other dogs and people safe. However, if, like many dogs, your dog has been in one or more fights with other dogs where the dogs came into physical contact, but your dog has never caused an actual injury, then your dog has probably acquired bite inhibition and probably won't injure anyone in the future. You may have a serious problem, but at least your dog doesn't have a dangerous biting problem. Rehabilitation will be much easier and safer than if your dog has caused any injuries with their past bites.

2. Use Classical Conditioning to help your dog relax
If your dog's reactivity is the result of fear or anxiety, then you'll need to help your dog feel more comfortable and relaxed in the presence of other dogs before you can resolve their reactivity. The best way to do this is with Classical Conditioning. Set up a scenario where your dog will be close enough to other dogs to notice them, but not so close that your dog is completely out of control. So long as your dog is aware of the presence of the other dog, give your dog things they enjoy, like food, praise, attention, play, toys, and games. This will help your dog form a more positive association with the presence of other dogs.

3. Don't let your anxiety fuel your dog's anxiety
Dogs are very good at reading our emotions. If you feel anxious or worried, your dog will pick up on that and that will make them feel more anxious. If you always get anxious when you see another dog, because you are worried your dog will react, you are Classically Conditioning your dog to fear other dogs. Instead, find ways to pretend that you are not worried when you see other dogs. Use a relaxed, comforting voice, recite a song or poem, or act in a playful or silly manner. This will mask your anxiety and trick your dog into thinking that you are relaxed.

4. Give your dog representative feedback
When other dogs are around, you should talk to your dog and be sure to praise them whenever they are acting appropriately. Don't wait until your dog is reacting to talk to them, instead, make an effort to notice whenever they are being calm and give them attention. If your dog is reacting inappropriately, talk to them in a calm, comforting voice. "Hey, it's OK, you're fine, you don't need to worry, don't be silly, there's nothing to be frightened of..." As soon as they stop reacting, you should change the way you are talking to your dog to communicate very clearly that they are doing the right thing: "YES! Thank you, you are my brave doggy and I'm so proud of you. I knew you could be brave. You deserve a cookie, or maybe a game of tug when we get home..." You dog may not understand all the words, but they're very good are understanding what you're saying on an emotional level.

5. Teach your dog to Come-Sit-Watch Me
Anytime your dog is acting in a way that you don't like, you should think about what you want them to do instead. Instead of barking, snapping and lunging at other dogs, wouldn't it be nice if your dog would Come to you, Sit, and Watch You? When you see another dog you could take two steps back, away from the other dog, ask your dog to Come, to turn your dog away from the other dog, and then have your dog Sit and Stay and Watch You so your dog can't even look at the other dog. As with any skill, this one takes practice, especially if you want it to work when other dogs are around. Practice it at home, alone, to get started, then start practicing around other distractions, and eventually, other dogs.

6. Create a Core Social Group for your dog
Socializing with unfamiliar dogs and people is much more stressful than socializing with familiar ones. Make regular playdates with the same group of dogs and the familiarity will make the experience much easier and more enjoyable, for the dogs and their humans. As people get used to one another, you can start practicing the Come-Sit-Watch Me sequence with the other dogs around as distractions. Once your dog gets used to spending time with the same dogs, those other dogs will actually help your dog feel comfortable, and give your dog confidence in the presence of other, unfamiliar dogs.

7. Teach your dog to love playing Tug for better focus
When your dog is reacting towards another dog, you need to find a way to get their attention off of the other dog and on to you. This is much easier to do if there is an activity that your dog really enjoys that requires them to focus their attention on you. Tug of War is a great game for this, because the dog has to pay attention to you, and whatever toy you use to play. If your dog doesn't already LOVE to play tug, you can actually train them to enjoy it more. You have to enforce some very important rules when playing Tug with a dog, but it's well-worth it because it can provide for amazing attention and impulse control.