From fear to trust: training for dogs with negative experiences with other dogs
, by Michael van Wassem, 7 min reading time
A dog that's afraid of other dogs—it's a situation that unfortunately occurs more often than you think. Sometimes the cause is obvious, like a biting incident or an intrusive encounter. Other times, it's a series of stressful experiences that gradually made your dog more and more reserved. Whatever the cause, it's painful to see your dog so tense. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can significantly improve things.
In this comprehensive blog post, we explain what you can do to build your dog's confidence step by step. It includes example scenarios, a checklist for your journey, a printable, and advice from a behavioral therapist.
Where does the fear come from?
Dogs can become fearful of other dogs due to:
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A biting incident or fight
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A pushy or busy dog that has overstepped boundaries
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A harsh correction during a previous meeting
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Lack of socialization during puppyhood
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Long-term stress or uncertainty
The resulting behavior can range from freezing, pulling away, and whining to lunging or barking out of fear. Most importantly, your dog isn't choosing this behavior voluntarily. He feels unsafe.
First step: safety and distance
Never force your dog to interact with other dogs. Start with a safe distance, where your dog can see other dogs but doesn't have to react. Think of a quiet park or an open field. Maintain that safe distance, even if it means temporarily walking different routes.
🟢 Tip : Pay close attention to body language. Yawning, tongue-licking, shaking, or stiffening are signs that your dog is experiencing tension.
Building calm positive associations
Use the power of repetition and reward. Does your dog see another dog from a distance but remain calm? Reward them immediately with a treat or a cheerful voice. You're teaching your dog: "When another dog is nearby, something positive happens."
Practice this regularly and gradually increase the distance. This is called desensitization and counterconditioning – two proven effective training methods for anxious dogs.
Avoid unpredictable encounters
A loose dog charging at you can instantly undo all your progress. So choose walking routes with a clear view and avoid crowded dog parks. Consider using a yellow bandana or leash as a signal to other owners: "Don't let your dog approach us."
Example situations: what can you do?
Situation 1: A loose dog approaches you
➡️ Stand between your dog and the other dog. Position yourself wide and stay calm. Call or gesture clearly to the other owner. If necessary, walk around the block.
➡️ Reward your dog immediately when he remains calm or seeks your protection.
Situation 2: You are walking in the park and a dog on a leash comes along
Observe the other dog's posture. Take the lead yourself: make an arc around the other dog or switch sides (your dog on the inside).
➡️ Don't let them sniff if your dog is still tense. Calmness is more important than contact.
Situation 3: Your dog reacts to other dogs from a great distance
➡️ Find a training location with a good overview (for example, a soccer field).
➡️ Start rewarding from a distance each time another dog is seen. Gradually reduce that distance over several days/weeks. This is called desensitization .
Checklist: Dealing with Fear of Other Dogs
🔲 Keep your distance. Your dog needs to feel safe to learn.
🔲 Observe stress signals (yawning dog, tail low, shaking, tongue-licking).
🔲 Always reward calm behavior, even if it's just 'looking'.
🔲 Avoid busy or cluttered off-leash areas.
🔲 Use a Y-harness with a long leash for safe freedom of movement.
🔲 Consider a yellow ribbon or bandana (signal: “keep your distance”).
🔲 Only socialize with stable, calm dogs under supervision.
🔲 Avoid punishment or correction for aggressive behavior – this reinforces fear.
🔲 Work with short training sessions of a maximum of 10-15 minutes.
🔲 Be patient and celebrate small successes!
Restore contact? Do this in a controlled manner
Once your dog becomes more stable at a distance, you can consider establishing controlled contact with a calm, stable dog. Consider:
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A social dog from someone you know well
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Both dogs on a leash, with sufficient space
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Short, positive, no-pressure meetings
Have the dogs walk parallel to each other instead of directly towards each other. This way they can get to know each other without confrontation.
When to seek help?
A behavioral therapist or canine instructor can be very helpful, especially if the fear is deeply ingrained or if you notice your dog is struggling to recover. A good instructor will help you with a step-by-step plan tailored to your dog's needs.
Expert speaks
"You can't just train away fear. Trust develops when a dog feels in control and knows its signals are being heard. If you punish fear, you're punishing the only thing it still dares to show. If you reward calmness, you're building recovery."
— Lianne van Schaik , certified dog behavior therapist
Stress signals in dogs
Finally, love and patience are the key
A dog who is fearful of its own kind doesn't need discipline, but trust. Build it up slowly. Don't force anything. And know that every step forward—no matter how small—is a victory.
Do you have a dog who's afraid of other dogs? Share your story or ask your question at klantenservice@fidello.nl – we'd love to help. And who knows, we might share your experience in a future blog post!
Extra tip from Fidello
Looking for tools like comfortable harnesses , long leashes , or treats for on the go? Check out our Walking with Your Dog collection for everything you need to help train an anxious dog.
Do you have any additions to this blog, or suggestions for ways to help dogs process trauma? We're always open to new input, explanations, and improved techniques. Let us know via email or WhatsApp.
