It can be frustrating when your dog is unable to focus on you and is constantly scanning for other dogs. It can be socially embarrassing when they don’t come back when you call them.  Obviously, it is not ideal when your dog goes racing up to a dog who is on the lead. They could be recovering from an operation, poorly, or really scared of other dogs.

Situations could include:

Your dog constantly scanning for other dogs

They may be so overstimulated and be looking for other dogs on a walk and not able to do anything else. Changing the environment if you can is important here,  if there are lots of other dogs around it will be very hard for them (if not impossible especially if dogs are running up to them), to learn alternative behaviours. You’re also both likely to feel frustrated, which isn’t a place where they can learn easily.

Your dog not being able to listen to you on walks

Think about where this behaviour could be reinforced. Speak to your dog walker to see if your dog is constantly playing with other dogs on walks. If they are then they may think that this is what walks are for. Going to a place that is quieter where your dog can focus and there are not oodles of other dogs is sensible so they have the chance to practice alternative behaviours. Otherwise if they are switched on all the time (a bit akin to us being glued to our phone, and social media notifications always popping up and not being able to read a book or relax in the moment), they can’t practice behaviours such as sniffing and exploring.

Pulling you towards other dogs

This can be painful for you and your dog. Investing in a well-fitting harness (there is extensive info on this in our polite pup club) is imperative so damage isn’t created on their sensitive neck area and their breathing isn’t restricted. A long lead that means your dog can explore and search and still have exercise is a great tool too. You do not want one that knots easily, gets wet and soggy or burns your hand.

What else can you do?

In addition to the suggestions above,  you can invest in a toy that your dog loves and engage them on walks for at least 2 minutes.  

If you are in Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire you can book some one to one training with me if you’d like extra help or join my polite pup club.