How to Train a Puppy to Be Calm Around Other Dogs
Chewy ChumsShare
Why Puppies React Around Other Dogs
Dogs are social animals, but that doesn’t mean every greeting should be a party. Overexcited reactions—barking, lunging, pulling—are often the result of poor impulse control, not aggression. The goal is to teach your pup how to stay calm, attentive, and neutral in the presence of other dogs.
What Not to Do
- Don’t yank the leash – It adds tension and frustration
- Don’t let them pull ahead – You lose control and leadership
- Don’t force greetings – It can backfire and create fear or hyper habits
5 Steps to Teaching Calm Around Dogs
- Start at a distance
Let your pup observe other dogs from far enough away that they remain calm. Use treats or your NeverBite™ to redirect focus on you. - Use a cue like “watch me”
Teach your pup to make eye contact with you instead of staring at the other dog. - Mark and reward calm behavior
When your pup sees another dog and stays relaxed, mark it (“yes!” or click) and reward instantly. - Close the gap slowly
As your dog becomes more comfortable, move closer while continuing the focus and redirection work. - Practice with neutral dogs
Set up controlled sessions with calm, reliable dogs before visiting dog parks or busy areas.
Why NeverBite™ Works as a Calmness Cue
🏴 Built-in squeaker grabs attention fast during overstimulation
🏴 Redirects teeth and energy into safe, handler-controlled play
🏴 Encourages calm through repetitive, structured interaction
🏴 Helps pups learn that “calm gets rewarded” while staying engaged
Handler Energy Matters
Your pup takes cues from your tone, posture, and leash grip. If you’re nervous or tense, they’ll feel it. Calm, confident energy leads to calm, confident dogs. Breathe deeply, keep your voice low and steady, and lead by example.
Final Word From the Crew
Don’t wait until your dog “acts up” to train calm behavior. Practice proactively. Every walk is a chance to build good habits. And with NeverBite™ as your tool of choice, you’re not just preventing problems—you’re building trust, focus, and a dog who listens no matter what distractions come barking by.
🏴 Calm isn’t a personality—it’s a skill. Train it with structure. Reinforce it with play.
Tags: puppy socialization, calm dog training, walking past dogs, leash reactivity, dog handler energy, redirection training, NeverBite training, cue-based training, dog training in public, training puppies around distractions
