Pets

Is your dog struggling to socialize? Here are 10 steps to help them make friends, according to experts

Struggling to socialize your dog? Experts share 10 proven tips—from neutral ground to treat rewards—to help your pup build confidence with others.

Yukinori Kinoshita

AS USA

Update: Jul 13th, 2025 18:20 EDT

Is your dog struggling to build its pack? Do they have trouble meeting other dogs? Helping your dog socialize with other canine friends can be a challenge, but here are a few strategies from animal experts that might help.

1. The Importance of Distance

The trainers at Paws of Wisdom highlight the importance of distance when working with reactive dogs.

“One of the most powerful and most overlooked strategies for successful socialisation is managing distance.”This factor is often ignored, which leads to issues, as“often, reactive dogs struggle simply because they’re too close to triggers too soon.”

2. Meeting on Neutral Ground

The trainers at Spruce Pets explain that the first step to starting a doggy relationship off on the right foot is ensuring their first meeting happens on neutral ground. This advice is especially important for families planning to add another dog to their household.

“Allow the dogs to meet each other through a barrier if possible, like a fence,” advise the trainers at Spruce Pets.

3. Allowing Each to Have Their Own Space

When bringing a dog home after the initial meeting, Spruce Pets emphasizes the importance of allowing the dogs to have their own spaces inside the home.

“When the two dogs are in your home, it is important that they are kept separated until they have become acclimated to one another,” say the trainers. Each dog should have its own space—whether a room or a crate—that serves as a safe zone while they get used to each other’s presence.

4. Be Sure Not to Show Favoritism

Lastly, the trainers warn against showing favoritism. Both dogs need to feel loved and secure to avoid feelings of abandonment. Their human showing trust in another dog and offering positive reinforcement to both as they get to know each other in a calm and friendly way can help prevent anxiety and aggression.

5. Maintaining a controlled environment

Part of the training that you should keep in mind is the notion of maintaining a controlled environment. For instance, if your dog is not ready for the park, consider a playdate. “Setting up playdates with other dogs is another effective way to improve your dog’s social skills,“ says Dogoholics.

The dog park might be an overstimulating experience, but “one-on-one interactions with a dog that you know is well-socialized and friendly” might be an effective way to create a safe environment where they can begin to feel comfortable with other dogs.

6. Walkies... With a Safe Distance

Paws of Wisdom recommends introducing anxious dogs on a walk, following the neutral ground rule, and maintaining a safe distance.

“At this stage, your dog is ready for things like parallel walks, calmly passing other dogs, or interacting with carefully chosen neutral dogs and people,” say the dog trainers. By placing non-reactive dogs along your pup’s path, you can begin to show them that other furry friends can be pals, not foes.

7. Treats

If you have a food-motivated dog, having treats on hand to reward them after a positive interaction with another dog can be a great way to keep their focus.

“Keep your treats ready in a pouch that clips to your waist or pocket, because fumbling during a trigger moment is the worst,”says Paws of Wisdom.

8. Have You Tried Doggy School?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed after trying these strategies on your own, there’s no shame in asking for professional help. A dog trainer—or group classes—might speed up your dog’s learning journey, as a professional can tailor training to your dog’s specific needs.

9. Consistency

When you begin using these strategies, it’s critical to stick with them. A training method that lacks consistency can confuse your pet and may worsen their trust issues with other dogs over time.

“Inconsistent socialization can confuse your dog and make it harder for them to learn appropriate social behaviors,”explain the trainers at Dogoholics.