Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

Dog Training Dog Reactivity Dog Enrichment Sniffspot Community Top Dog Trainers City Dog Parks Dog Breeds Dog Names Dog Rescues & Shelters

Home

Blog

Dog Training

How to Train Your Dog to Ignore Other Dogs (Expert Guide)

How to Train Your Dog to Ignore Other Dogs (Expert Guide)

David Adams

January 17, 2025

Dog Training

How to Train Your Dog to Ignore Other Dogs (Expert Guide) thumbnail

Does your dog pull you towards dogs you see out and about on walks in an attempt to say hi? Is your dog reactive, fearful, or showing some sort of aggressive behavior toward other dogs? No matter the situation, if your dog has trouble with their behavior around fellow pets, it’s time to train them to ignore other dogs!

Sniffspot conducted a proprietary survey that found 66% of people with dog-reactive dogs report attempting to teach their dog to ignore other dogs. Of people that have not yet tried to teach their dog-reactive dog to ignore other dogs, 54% are confident that they would be successful while 46% are not confident that they would be successful.

If you're in that 46 percent, this article is especially for you!

Why should I train my dog to ignore other dogs?

Your dog being able to ignore other dogs can help keep you, them, and other pups safe. It also makes public outings easier for everyone involved (especially in crowded environments) — and it shows you respect the people and pets around you!

Some dogs are reactive to other dogs, especially on a leash. If you come across another dog that doesn’t like yours, it's best if your dog is able to ignore them.
It can be frustrating and dangerous to have your dog become fixated on another dog while on a walk.

But I want my dog to be social with other dogs!

Many dog parents want their dog to love other dogs and interact often. That can be a great goal depending on your lifestyle — but socialization is about far more than direct interaction.

Teaching your dog to ignore distractions (including other dogs) to focus on you instead can be a gamechanger for your relationship, behavior out in public environments, and confidence on both ends of the leash.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

When and how to teach your dog it's okay to directly socialize

In general, by the time you're showing your dog it's okay to say hi or not, they should already understand and be able to ignore other dogs the majority of the time on walks.

You may be okay with your pup interacting with other dogs while on a leash at certain times. But it’s essential that, first and foremost, your dog knows to ignore the other dog first.

This means you need to determine how to let them know it is okay to socialize. There are a few ways to do this:

If you come across a friendly dog that you are okay with them socializing with, simply stop walking and don’t give your dog the cue to look at you. (We go more into training this cue in the next sections!)
After a few moments, most dogs will realize it is okay to socialize with this particular fellow pup. When it is time to continue the walk, give them the cue to look at you and then continue your walk.
Alternatively, you can designate a different cue like "say hi" or "it's okay" to let your dog know that this is a situation where they can greet. This can be a great option for pups who are good at generalizing or who benefit from extra clarity in your communication.

Never assume another dog wants to meet yours!

Be respectful of other dogs and their owners. Just because you feel good about your dog socializing does not mean the other owner does. Always ask before approaching another dog and handler — if possible, from a good distance away so there isn't any pressure on the situation.

When in doubt, pay attention to everyone's body language (and never follow another dog-handler team if they turn away from you, cross the street, or otherwise seem like they're trying to create distance).

Tools needed to train your dog to ignore other dogs

Not much is required for training, but these are a few basic things to have on hand:

Leash: We recommend avoiding retractable leashes when starting out this training.
Plenty of treats: High-value (according to your dog) treats in a small size so you can feed a lot of them in a single session
Time: Practicing on walks is imperative, so you will need time to take several short walks each day
Patience and calm behavior: It's normal to become aggravated or impatient while working on ignoring other dogs with your pup! But a calm demeanor goes a long way in keeping your dog calm and having a positive learning environment

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

How do you teach your dog to ignore other dogs?

Being around other dogs is a huge and common distraction. By training your dog to ignore other dogs, you can keep your dog from disrupting others on walks or prevent a dog fight.

In a sense, you’re not teaching your dog to ignore other dogs — you're more accurately teaching them to pay attention to you when you request it, regardless of what is going on in the environment. It shouldn’t matter if you’re walking and passing other dogs or different distractions.

Of people that have tried to teach their dog-reactive dog to ignore other dogs, 37% report via Sniffspot's survey that they've been successful.

According to our proprietary research, the breeds with the highest success rates are:
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Labrador Retriever
- Siberian Husky
And the breeds with the lowest success rate are:
- Australian Shepherd
- German Shepherd Dog
- Pitbull / American Staffordshire Terrier

Choose your cue phrase

Sometimes referred to as command, a more positive-sounding term that means the same thing is a cue. Regardless of what you call it, you’ll want to choose your phrase and stick with it. Some familiar cues include:

“Leave it”
“Look at me.”
“Watch me."

Pick your cue phrase before you actually start training your dog. Planning ahead can help you avoid any in-the-moment confusion to make sure you stay consistent.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

Begin your training away from other dogs

You don’t want to immediately throw your dog into a high-energy situation and expect them to know what to do.

You want to be sure that you can gain and maintain your dog’s attention when there is zero distraction before adding others dogs into the mix.

Begin your training in your home or an enclosed private yard.

Teach your dog to pay attention to you

This begins by teaching your dog a cue (sometimes referred to as a command) that indicates that they should look at you. Once your dog looks at you and is paying attention to you, you can tell them what to do next, whether to heel, sit, lay down, etc!

To teach this cue, give your dog a lot of positive reinforcement when they look at you. Try to make sure the eye contact behavior is reliable before you actually associate the action with our verbal phrase.

You can start by holding a treat up to your face. When your dog makes eye contact with you, give them lots of praise and a high-reward treat.

Continue to do this until your dog makes eye contact with you before looking at the treat.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

Add in your cue phrase

After this point, you can now add in a cue phrase. You can choose whatever you like, but always be consistent and say the phrase as you hold the treat up while giving positive reinforcement when they make eye contact.

Continue practicing this until your dog looks at you without needing the treat.

Make sure your dog can walk on a leash politely

Before moving on to high-energy and high-traffic environments, you need to make sure your dog can walk politely on a leash.

To do this, say your cue phrase while walking on a leash. Keep a tight leash (with no slack) so your dog is next to you. Carry a bag of treats and give one to them every few minutes as you continue walking.

If your dog starts getting distracted, repeat the cue phrase. Once they turn and make eye contact, give them a treat and plenty of praise.

Practice this on every single walk. Eventually, your dog should walk next to you politely and look toward you during walks without treats.

Leash training troubleshooting

If your dog pulls hard on the leash, it could hurt itself. This puts a lot of pressure on their neck, and many may feel the need to buy tools such as prong collars, but this can lead to even further injury.

Instead, you may want to try a harness. Harnesses no longer hurt your dog, and they’re difficult for your dog to escape from. However, some dogs pull even harder with them.

In these cases, you may consider a harness that clips in two locations and will require the use of a double-ended leash. This harness and leash combination gives you much more control over them and doesn’t hurt them in the process.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

Practice in different environments and with distractions

Once your dog looks at you after you use your cue phrase and without needing a treat, you can then move on to practicing in different environments and with distractions.

Start by taking your dog on walks in different locations. Go on various routes, so the distractions are frequently new and different.

Try practicing in these places:

Walks where there are lots of dogs. This can be either places you know other people walk their dogs or areas where you know there are lots of dogs in yards that are distracting.
Walks where there are other animals. Practicing in parks or trails with other animal distractions such as rabbits or squirrels is a great idea.
Walks where there are a lot of people. Take your dog on walks in urban areas or spots with lots of people.

Trainer that reviewed this article

We want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by qualified force free trainers.

This is the trainer that reviewed this article:

Rayanne Spence CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT
Professional Dog Trainer - Animal Medical Center of Hattiesburg

Sniffspot's Proprietary Survey Statistics

Sniffspot Research 2023, n = 4,092

This infographic about training your dog to ignore other dogs has a green and white color scheme. It includes a few graphs showing that 66 percent of people with reactive dogs have tried to teach their dog to ignore other dogs, 51 percent are reactive to other dogs only, and what regions of the United States see the most reactive dogs.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams

January 17, 2025

Dog Training

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

Sniffspot: Private Dog Parks in San Diego

How to Become a Dog Trainer in Washington State

Boston Terrier: The Ultimate Guide for Owners

All categories

10 Unconventional Ways to Exercise Your Dog

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

Most recent articles

Sniffspot: Private Dog Parks in San Diego

How to Become a Dog Trainer in Washington State

Boston Terrier: The Ultimate Guide for Owners

Dog Parks Near Me: Las Vegas Edition

Mastiff Dog Breed Guide: Traits, Care & Ownership

Dog Training 101: Essential Tips for Success

Sniffspot: Private Dog Parks in San Diego

How to Become a Dog Trainer in Washington State

Boston Terrier: The Ultimate Guide for Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

My Dog Is Food Aggressive With Other Dogs: What To Do
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
Scent Training for Dogs: A Beginner's Guide
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
Service Dog Training Costs: DIY vs. Pro
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

Top 10 Dog Water Parks in the US
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
Best Toys for Herding Dogs: A Trainer's Guide
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Ultimate Guide: Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
Daily Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
Everyone knows dogs need exercise, but how much is enough? Walks are great, but creating a truly balanced fitness plan means understanding your dog's specific needs. This post helps you develop a daily exercise calculator for your dog, considering breed, age, and lifestyle. We'll cover fun activities, understanding exercise intensity, and recognizing when your pup has had enough. Let's create a plan that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Truth vs. Myth
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
What Is a Reactive Dog? A Practical Guide for Owners
Does your dog suddenly transform into a barking, lunging Tasmanian devil on walks? It's stressful for both of you. If this sounds familiar, you might have a reactive dog. Understanding what is a reactive dog is the first step to calmer walks. We'll explore the common triggers and give you actionable strategies to manage and modify this behavior. Let's turn those stressful walks into enjoyable outings.
How to Socialize a Reactive Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
What Is a Reactive Dog? A Comprehensive Guide
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

Top 10 Indoor Dog Parks: A US Guide
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks Near You in the United States
Searching for the best off-leash dog parks near you in the United States? Whether you're looking for public dog parks with open spaces or private, fully-fenced areas, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Discover top-rated parks across the country, plus essential tips on what to bring and what to expect for your next adventure.
Dog Parks Near Me: Las Vegas Edition
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to private dog parks near me on Sniffspot. We'll help you find the ideal spot for playtime, socializing, and fresh air. Plus, we'll cover essential etiquette and safety tips to ensure a happy visit for everyone. Get ready for some tail-wagging fun!
Best Sniffspot Locations: Private Dog Parks Near You
Looking for the perfect dog park? Whether you need a wide-open public space or a private, fenced-in spot, this guide will help you find the best dog parks across the US. We'll cover top-rated public parks, the perks of private dog parks, and even explore Sniffspot locations – giving your pup a safe and fun place to play. Ready to find your dog's new favorite spot? Let's go!
The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

How to Train Your Dog to Ignore Other Dogs (Expert Guide)

Why should I train my dog to ignore other dogs?

But I want my dog to be social with other dogs!

When and how to teach your dog it's okay to directly socialize

Never assume another dog wants to meet yours!

Tools needed to train your dog to ignore other dogs

How do you teach your dog to ignore other dogs?

Choose your cue phrase

Begin your training away from other dogs

Teach your dog to pay attention to you

Add in your cue phrase

Make sure your dog can walk on a leash politely

Leash training troubleshooting

Practice in different environments and with distractions

Trainer that reviewed this article

Sniffspot's Proprietary Survey Statistics

David Adams

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana