Every time a dog continues with an over-reaction to other dogs it is reinforcing or sort of hardwiring the brain to respond that way.
If you have two dogs over reacting, it is best to train the most dominate first and then separately for a while.
So, initially try to walk early or late and avoid other dogs.
Establish the threshold distance; how far away for your dog to react after seeing another dog, praise calmness.
Practice basics, like come, sit, stay, where there are minimal distractions, even inside the house.
Then work on the ‘leave’ word.
Start by both sitting and have treats in one hand, open your hand and as the dog goes for the treats close your hand.
Repeat this until the dog is learning to wait, count one second initially, up to four or five gradually, then praise and give a treat, and add the “leave” word.
Once this is mastered, the dog is walked on lead past treats (at home) either throw a few as you walk on lead or make sure the dog sees where you placed them – and remember, ask for a ‘leave’.
But this time you can reward from your pocket if the dog looks at you or ignores the ground treats, it helps to have higher value treats in your pocket.
Practice until you are confident the dog understands the word.
I use leave when my dog is scavenging, focused on a duck, another dog, etcetera.
Do training sessions when the dog is hungry, before meal time.
If the dog has no food drive (rare) use toys, the favourite and second favourite.
Now for the real-life training; another dog at the critical distance.
You really need a friend’s calm pooch or someone with a clam pooch willing to assist.
Keep the distance, praise and reward your dog with the ‘leave’ command if minimal reaction.
It is necessary to do this over and over each session, for at least half an hour.
If improving, gradually reducing the distance.
Some dogs may need you to stand in front and close, blocking them and saying ‘no, leave.’
It helps to still train at home. Good luck!
