Why is my dog selectively friendly with other dogs?

Sometimes this preference is based on the size of the other dog or on a certain physical characteristic like pricked ears. A dog's tendency to like or dislike another dog may also be rooted in behavior, for example not liking bouncy puppy-like energy, or dogs they perceive as being rude or boisterous.
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Why is my dog friendly with some dogs and not others?

Your dog is simply indifferent to some pups.

Sometimes their personalities or play styles simply don't mesh and they prefer to keep their distance. As long as there is no aggression or fear, it is perfectly natural and acceptable for two dogs to remain acquaintances rather than becoming friends.
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Why is my dog aggressive towards some dogs but not others?

Misreading the Other Dog's Behavior

If your dog misinterprets a friendly dog as an aggressive one, it may lash out from fear or protectiveness. An only dog is more likely to misinterpret social cues, especially if they're one dog that was never properly socialized.
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What do you do if your dog is not friendly with other dogs?

Avoid punishing your dog if they act out, as they will associate any negativity with the other dog's presence. Instead simply cease praising them and ignore them. Over time you will be able to build up your dog's tolerance with less familiar dogs.
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How can I make my dog friendlier to other dogs?

Invite a friend to bring her gentle, easygoing dog on a walk with you and your dog. Allow a polite distance between dogs while they get accustomed to each other. If both dogs appear relaxed throughout the walk, allow them to sniff each other briefly. Keep leashes loose and each interaction short.
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How to Stop Dog Barking! (Cesar911 Shorts)

How do I train my dog to be friendly with other dogs?

Introduce on neutral territory.

If the dogs are not showing any negative behaviors, reward them with treats just for seeing each other. For example, when the dog you're walking looks at the other dog, you can say “Good boy!” in a happy, friendly voice and give him a treat. Repeat often.
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Is it too late to socialize a dog?

As a result, they will learn to cope with change and new situations calmly and confidently. While it's important to start socializing your puppy as early as possible, it's never too late to socialize an older dog.
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Why does my dog lunge at some dogs but not others?

Understand Why Dogs Lunge

The least likely is aggression. Although rare, some dogs truly want to do harm. Fear is a far more common motivator. Using the “I'll get it before it gets me” strategy, dogs lunge to try to make the feared person, dog, or other object go away.
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Do some dogs just not like other dogs?

But not all dogs are a fan of making friends with their own kind. Some dogs may be reactive or hide when faced with a new potential canine friend, avoiding other dogs at all costs. This kind of antisocial behavior is especially problematic when adding a new pup to your household.
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Are dogs happier with humans than other dogs?

Data suggests that we have bred dogs to love people.

Research shows that domestic dogs have been selectively bred to be strongly biased to love humans more strongly than other dogs. The fact that dogs are biased toward the human bond may make re-homing dogs in pairs unnecessary.
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How do you know if two dogs don't like each other?

This is when you see one dog trying to engage another dog in play, but the other dog is ignoring that dog by looking away, walking to a different play space or flashing their teeth at the dog. These are all signs that at least one dog doesn't like the other. If you see this behavior, move the dogs away from each other.
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What is rage syndrome in a dog?

Rage Syndrome in dogs is a debated phenomenon involving sudden and unprovoked aggressive behaviour. Its causes may include genetics, neurological abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, and environmental factors.
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What is an unsocialized dog?

Dogs that have not socialized adequately may be particularly reactive around other canines or people that they do not know. They also may not respond positively to unfamiliar people handling them such as a groomer, a veterinarian's assistant, or even pet sitters or dog walkers.
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How do you socialize an antisocial dog?

Getting social can be a little ruff on your pooch, so make sure they feel encouraged.
  1. Step 1: Go for Walks. ...
  2. Step 2: Introduce Your Dog to Another Adult Dog. ...
  3. Step 3: Introduce Your Dog to an Adult Human. ...
  4. Step 4: Introduce Your Dog to Puppies and Children. ...
  5. Step 5: Visit Dog Parks. ...
  6. Step 6: Attend Doggy Daycare.
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Do dogs prefer being the only dog?

"They like being in a group which is why they make good pets for humans because they like being with us," Dr Seksel says. And while some dogs will happily co-exist with another dog, even become what looks like "best mates", just like we don't like every person we meet, dogs don't get on with every dog.
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How do you stop a reactive dog?

Here are some tips:
  1. Avoid stressful situations when you sense your dog is anxious or showing signs of aggression. ...
  2. Give the dog a long lead. ...
  3. If the dog shows signs of reactivity on walks, try walking in low-traffic areas or at times of day that are less busy.
  4. Long walks around the same location help a dog feel secure.
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Why does my friendly dog bark and lunge at other dogs when they are on leash?

More commonly, fear is the driving force behind reactivity. If something is making your dog uncomfortable, then being trapped on the leash can heighten their anxiety. They react this way in an attempt to get away from the trigger.
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Why does my dog lunge and snap at other dogs?

Dogs bark and lunge toward other dogs when they cannot access the dog. Often, dogs with frustration-based aggression are friendly with dogs they meet without a barrier. Some people refer to this behavior as 'leash aggression' or even 'reactivity', though those terms do not specify the underlying motivation.
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How many hours of socialization does a dog need?

“Some dogs will do better with more alone time than others,” he says. That said, for a general guideline, dogs should get a minimum of two hours of dedicated social time with humans or other dogs on a daily basis, which can be broken up into chunks of time over the course of the day.
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At what age should a dog be left alone?

The answer is you should not be leaving your 8-week-old puppy alone for an extended period. This is the part of their life where they have just been weaned and need regular feedings and potty breaks. It is recommended to wait at least until they are 3 months old before they are being left alone.
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What is the best age for dog socialization?

The time period of 3-12 weeks of age for a dog is known as the socialization phase. Primary socialization takes place between 3-5 weeks and it is the most influential stage in a puppy's life relative to social behavior patterns and learning.
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What I wish I knew before getting a second dog?

The new pup you choose should have a temperament that is compatible with your old dog. For instance, if your new pet is more aggressive and dominating than the established one, there could be a conflict. A common mistake that some pet owners make is choosing a second dog that is their own ideal dream dog.
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How long does it take for 2 dogs to bond?

There isn't research for dogs, as there is for cats, that show how long it takes dogs to adjust to each other. Phifer, however, says that two to four weeks is usually enough time to know if dogs can be friends.
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How do you know if dogs like each other?

They appear bonded – show closeness and repeated/continued physical contact; comfort each other, sleep together, etc. They show signs of affection such as cleaning the ears, licking the face, etc. They refuse to leave their kennel without each other.
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Why does my dog not socialize?

Why isn't my dog social? Many dogs experience shyness due to certain experiences in their past, such as being mistreated and abused. One of the most common causes of shy behavior is a lack of exposure to new people and places at a young age.
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