How to Teach a Puppy to Settle Around Other Dogs
Teaching a puppy to settle around other dogs is one of the most useful skills you can build during early training.
Many owners focus on play, recall (coming when called) and basic cues, but keeping them calm is just as important. A puppy who can relax around distractions, including dogs, is easier to take on walks, to cafés, to the vet and all kinds of places in everyday life.
At Canine Kids, our dog training in Surrey is designed to help raise well-mannered, confident dogs using kind, modern methods. We work with puppies and young dogs in carefully managed, small classes across Camberley, Farnham, Godalming, Fleet, Northchapel and Guildford.
Why Puppies Need to Learn Stay Calm
Puppies are naturally curious and sociable, but that does not mean they should greet or play with every dog they see. Too much excitement can quickly lead to them becoming impatient, pulling, barking or becoming over-stimulated.
Socialising a puppy well is not about providing constant interactions. It is about helping your puppy feel safe and able to make good choices around other dogs. In our puppy socialisation classes in Surrey, we teach your fur baby that other dogs can be nearby without it turning into chaos.
This is especially important during the critical period of socialisation, when young puppies are learning what the world means.
Start at the Right Distance
The first step is ensuring they keep the right distance. If your puppy cannot listen, eat treats or look back at you, they are probably too close to the other dog.
Move further away until your puppy can notice the dog without becoming overwhelmed. Reward them for remaining calm, checking in with you, sitting, lying down or simply standing quietly. This builds your puppy’s confidence and teaches them that such behaviour is worthwhile.
This approach is a key part of our positive reinforcement dog training programmes in Surrey.
Reward Calm Behaviour
When teaching a puppy to settle, reward the behaviour you want to see more of. That might include:
quietly watching another dog
turning back to you
lying on a mat
relaxing on a lead
keeping four paws on the floor
Use food, praise and equally calm encouragement. Avoid shouting, lead jerking or forcing your puppy into situations they cannot cope with. At Canine Kids, we use reward based dog training, with no force and no shouting.
Use a Mat or Settle Spot
A mat can help your puppy understand what you want. Practise at home first, then in the garden, then in quiet outdoor areas before expecting your puppy to settle in busier places.
This is a valuable life skill for puppies and helps with cafés, visitors, training classes and family outings. It also supports your dog’s impulse control and helps them focus around distractions, including other dogs.
Keep Socialisation Carefully Managed
Our puppy classes in Surrey are small and carefully managed to promote a calm learning environment. Puppies can build confidence, interact appropriately and learn essential skills without being overwhelmed.
We offer Pup1 for puppies under 18 weeks, along with adolescent dog training through Pup2 and Pup3 for young dogs from 19 weeks to 2 years. These classes are ideal for developing focus, responsiveness and calm behaviour during the teenage stage.
It’s Always Best to Get Help Early
If your puppy barks, lunges, hides or becomes too excited around other dogs, seeking support early can make a big difference. Our qualified dog trainers in Surrey, led by experienced behaviour specialist Karen Lockey-Kennedy and our team of APDT instructors, can help through classes or one to one dog training.
With kind, fair and effective training, your puppy can learn to feel less reactive and more confident around other dogs. That is the foundation for a happy, well behaved dog you can enjoy for life.
For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.