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How do I help my dog have better dog-to-dog greetings?

I recently got my 7-month beagle-lab mix from a dog rescue. She is very sweet, especially with all the humans in the house. With other dogs, however, she is sometimes too sweet! When we go for walks she is SO excited when she sees another dog that she literally LAUNCHES herself off the ground. I would really like to socialize her with dogs more (her foster mom fostered more than one dog at once and said that my dog was good with other dogs) as I think this behavior is just a puppy really, really wanting to play.

I have met a few calm dogs that were very patient with her and let her run around excitedly, but not all dogs are this way. When an owner declines our approach (I make sure to hold her and ask them, informing them she is very jumpy) she whines, yips (not usually full on barking), and jumps because she wants to see the other dog. This has turned into more aggressive barking on one occasion. When I see another dog coming, I get her to sit and try to have her watch them. Sometimes this works, but sometimes it devolves into the whining and jumping, which has scared other dogs (and their owners). When that behavior begins it is very hard to get her to stop. I have walked away with her, usually in the opposite direction of the dog, but I am not sure if there is something else I could be doing better? I do not pick her up in these moments. I am working on getting her private obedience lessons to refine her basic skills, but would really appreciate some guidance in the meantime as I would hate to avoid other dogs when out walking with her. What advice would you have?

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Kudos for rescuing her. It sounds like she just has that boundless energy that all puppies have. I would work on getting her more tired by possibly running, biking, or skating with her and making her run off some of that energy. Taking her to an off leash dog park may also be a good option.

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It sounds like you are doing a good job so far at getting her trained. (And so glad to hear that you do not pick her up! (So many pet owners make this terrible mistake). On thing you can try doing differently is work on your " watch me" command. I think when you do see the other dogs, getting your little one to watch you vs watching the other dog. This also may work with your, "leave it" command. When the dogs truly know the leave it command they will normally look away from what ever they were told to leave it. (the whole out of sight out of mind concept) And yes I know easier said that done.... You can also try taking yummy treats with you (something that she only gets during this time. ie chicken? something very yummy.) And my last suggestion would be to taking a squeaky toy with you. Donn't let her see you have it, so when you squeaky it breaks her attention off the other dogs and back to you.
Best of Luck!

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I would agree with everything Erica M. said above and add that it's going to take a lot of time, patience, and consistence. My dog was extremely reactive (and borderline aggressive) towards other dogs when I got her, and it took almost a year for her to be able to calmly pass any other dog. With your pup it may not take as long because she is younger and probably doesn't have a bad history with other dogs. Another thing I'd recommend is checking out the dog trainer Zak George's YouTube videos about leash reactivity. I've found his stuff very helpful.

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I will second your comment! I love Zak George's videos as they have been helpful in training my own babies.

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The previous responses are both good advice. We have a 9 month old puppy that is dealing with the same issue. One thing that is helping us is tandem walking. If you’re not familiar with the concept, check U-tube. Basically you are walking your dog behind, along side of, and ahead of another dog. Reward when their behavior is appropriate. Increase distance if you can’t hold their attention. If you can’t recruit a friend, pirate other dog walkers at nearby parks, by following close and passing wide when you can.

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Teach your dog an alternative behavior from lunging by giving her something else to focus on. Encourage her to think instead of react by teaching her the game “find it.” ... If your dog is not motivated by food, try using a toy to play a game of tug or encourage her to hold the toy in her mouth

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I would say keep walking your dog may not like this. It's a let's go command. I got to use this with a dog I cared for. Took a few walks but I understood it after sometime. It takes time but the result is this. So I had a dog to care for. A test I was given. They gave me the basics on the dog rest was up to me. The dog had to adjust to the new enviornment. Then kept walking like nothing. Owner said to use it ( let's go) and then he'll be walking with no problem. This dog liked to chase and guard. He was good at it. Barked at someone fishy when they tried to get my name and number. I said let's go and walked off after that. But they were left scared with a happy poodle. They got along and wanted to play. But I had no permission and the dog had other plans. He got upset at me.

Also friendly to people but it was potty time only for walks. The dog got it when I said let's go but it was dark I had a flashlight and someone was behind us. They were walking home and I had to move. That dog was on the defensive waiting. So I said we finish walking you get treat. You want a treat? The treat was for his teeth it was his bed time routine. But it was like dog candy to him. He started to go forward running away from the person XD That dog was weird, funny, understood me, didn't know English but when you and you're pet can walk in a mall. That thing. I learned a lot from that experience like how a Corgi is awesome.

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Ah, to clear it up the other dog owner or walker was left scared. He was very fishy at the time and the house guard dog knew it at the time. I just dipped afterward. Part Corgi and hound the dog was. Imagine a Corgi with a Hound's voice.