Golden Valley, Minn -- Kathryn Newman, owner of Augusta Dog Training, offered tips on how to prevent and avoid aggressive encounters with other dogs in a public setting
1. Socialize and Train your dog. Dog that are well socialized and well trained are far less likely to participate in aggressive behavior. They look to their owners for direction instead of taking matters into their own hands.
2. Be mindful of body language. Notice signs of stiffening and direct staring eye contact. These are in signals that a dog is escalating into an aggressive state.
3. Control your dog on leash -
Do not allow them to gregariously enter another dog's space. You don't know the history of the other dog. He or she might have preexisting fear or aggression issues with other dogs.
a. Keep your dog by your side - dogs are less likely to be target or reactive when walking at your side.
b. Control your greeting - If you want to meet another dog require your dog to sit while your INQUIRE if the other dog is friendly.
Avoid Trouble: If you see an out of control dog approach move off to the side and place your dog on a sit stay. Or, walk in another direction
When meeting, if your observe escalating body language (stiffening/ direct eye contact) split the dogs by walking between them and backing a dog up. You can pick up a small dog one there is some distance between the smaller and larger dogs.
For more information contact Augusta Dog Training at 952-914-0292 or visit our website at www.Augustadogtraining.com