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Are you actively training your dog to be calm around other dogs? Me too! Some dogs are overexcited around other dogs. Some are afraid, anxious, or shy. They all need extra space to learn to be calm. This meetup is to organize regular gatherings in parks to practice positive reinforcement around other dogs in a controlled setup so our dogs get some safe real-life practice.

Here’s how it will work:

  1. All dogs must be on leashes no longer than 6 feet. No flexi or retractable leashes.

  2. One dog per person. But feel free to bring two people and two dogs if you want.

  3. You must be able to control your dog and not release the leash or be dragged by your dog.

  4. Muzzles are welcome if you think your dog needs it.

  5. No dog-dog greetings. If you make a friend and want to introduce your dogs, great! Do it somewhere else as this meetup is for a specific training purpose.

  6. Determine your dog's level:

    1. Reacts to dogs 21 feet away or more
    2. Reacts to dogs at 10-20 feet (about the distance of a two lane street)
    3. Reacts to dogs at less than 10 feet away

  7. Wear a shirt or use a dog bandana or leash wrap to show people how far away they need to stay from you and your dog:

    1. 21+ feet = Red

    2. 10 - 20+ feet = Yellow

    3. 10 feet = Green

  8. We will bring our dogs to the park and remain at the distance indicated by the color you or your dog is wearing. Some of us may walk our dogs around, some may sit in one place with our dogs, or alternate between the two.

    The goal is to keep your dog under threshold. If they are reacting, you are too close to another dog. Move further away until you find a place where your dog is calm in the presence of other dogs. If it is totally boring, then you are doing it right. If your dog is constantly over threshold, barking, lunging, jumping, straining on the leash, or even just tense and staring, then this can have the opposite effect that you want.

    I recommend you use rewards to help your dog associate being around other dogs with something they like. Rewards can be treats, pets, praise, or a favorite toy that your dog can play with on-leash. Whatever best motivates your dog.

    Some dogs may feel overwhelmed, so keep the session short, depending on your dog's tolerance level. Feel free to drop in just for 10 minutes or so.

Watch the video below to get an idea of how this works.