What you’re describing is often referred to as leash reactivity and it’s very common.
In order to change your dog’s reaction towards other dogs, we need to change his feelings about other dogs. This is called counter-conditioning and it’s the process of re-teaching a dog to have a positive association with something that they once feared or disliked.
When applied to leash reactivity, this means turning the presence of another dog into an “on switch” for something good. Here’s how:
1. Create enough distance between yourself and the other dog
Because your dog is fettered, he thinks he needs to bark in order to create distance between himself and the other dog. By creating that distance for him, you are helping reduce his stress levels and keep him under threshold (i.e. not barking).
2. Walk your dog at your side
Review our lesson on loose leash walking master this essential skill.
3. Position your body between your dog and the other dog
For instance, of the other dog is on your right, make sure your dog is on the left side of your body. Creating a physical divide will help create a sense of security for your dog.
4. Give your dog LOTS of treats
Depending on your dog’s level of reactivity, this might mean handing your dog a great treat the second you spot another dog, or tossing the treat in a direction that’s away from the other dog. In the latter case the “treat” is the chance to put additional distance between your dog and the other dog. In either case, you’re going to try to get your dog’s attention and interest before he loses it at the other dog.
Especially at the beginning, we recommend continually feeding your dog treats until the other dog is far enough away that your dog is calm.
5. Eye contact
The goal is for your dog to eventually look at you every time you encounter another dog, because he knows that whenever he sees another dog you’re going to give him something delicious!