Dog Walkers: How to Train an Anti-social Dog

Dogs should be trained from the time they are puppies to be comfortable around people as well as other dogs. However, if breeders or owners do not spend the needed time training their dogs, they will have a harder time to deal with them later on and the dogs could exhibit anti-social tendencies. As a dog walker, you may at times be called upon to help train an anti-social dog.

Take Rover to a Dog Park

If you are caring for an anti-social dog that hates the very sight of another four-legged animal, the last thing you will want to do is take him along to a dog park. However, getting him used to the sight and sound of other dogs can gradually help to curb anti-social barking, lunging and fighting.

Start out small and work from there. Work on taking the dog when there is likely to only be another dog walker or two out and about in the dog park. Keep a safe distance, but let the dog in your care see the others as they walk on by.

Use a Muzzle

Muzzles can help to correct anti-social behaviour in dogs and allow you to take the dog out to locations where you would not normally dream of venturing. The key is to introduce the muzzle the moment you see a situation developing or escalating.

For example, I walk a dog that cannot stand the sight of other dogs and will pick a fight with any other dog that walks across her path. I have learned to read the signs ahead of time so that I can react quickly. As soon as I see her body tense and her ears prick up, I know that there must be another dog ahead, so I take out the dog’s muzzle and put it on her until we have passed the other dog.

Be Patient

Training an anti-social dog will not yield results straightaway, which is why it is important to stick with it. Use consistent training methods and insist that the dog abide by the rules. If you do, you will eventually see a decrease in anti-social tendencies in the dog and it will be easier to walk the dog without having to worry about whether he will go chasing after a cat or confronting another dog on the way to the park.

Dog walkers spend a lot of 1-1 time with dogs, which often earns them the trust and affection of the dogs in their care. This is the perfect opportunity to make the time count by dealing with anti-social tendencies in dogs that are in your care. Take the time to address issues that are of serious concern to the owners and to make sure that you tackle the problems before the dog’s behaviour gets out of control.

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