My 15 month old lab loves all dogs. When we are walking in the park she will pull to get to a dog going by. She is much better with people. How do I get her to stop trying to get to the other dogs. We have the same problem in class.

My first suggestion would be to teach the “Leave It” command (refer to the lessons for the training video). Essentially, this lesson teaches your dog that he/she receives a bigger reward for leaving a distraction alone.  KEY:  Your reward must be better than playing with another dog.

Another technique that should only be used in a controlled environment (i.e. fenced) and with a familiar dog is to drop the leash and immediately walk the other direction.  Your dog will likely be shocked by the lacking of pulling on the leash and he/she will turn around to see what happened.  Praise and reward as soon as your dog comes to you.

Teach your dog lots of tricks! You can use them at the park when you want your dog to focus on you. Find the tricks they enjoy doing, and be sure to carry a couple of types of rewards with you on your walks so you can pull out the “high value” treats - or toys - when you need them. See the article on treat value at http://www.onlinedogcoach.com/index/members/view-article/129/training

Select tricks from the alphabetical listing at http://www.onlinedogcoach.com/index/members/view-course/109 Some that are great for walks in the park are circle, bow, figure 8 around your legs, pick a hand, and touch to hand. Pick a hand is especially good because it requires more focus and mental strategy!

Another strategy is the “we won’t go that way when you act like that” move as taught by Victoria Stilwell. You need to make sure there is a lot of room, and no one is walking behind you when you do it. This doesn’t really work on narrow trails.

Basically, when you dog starts taking interest in another dog and starts to pull, whine, or bark, calmly turn around and walk away from the oncoming dog. Reward when your dog does any of the following : looks at you, willingly comes with you, calms down. You can put your dog in a sit or down, and reward that. Use the tricks as mentioned above!

Let us know how this turns out! Post your update here, or in the Success Stories forum at http://www.onlinedogcoach.com/index/forums/viewforum/4/

I have to agree with both Brianna and Suzy. The main key is to turn the focus away from the distracting dog to you, you are the reward. Work on “watch me” and treat when she does.
When you do the “turn the other way while walking”, take several steps, lower your body, and when she looks back at you really make a big deal. You want her to look to you for her fun, treats, praise.

If you’re still having trouble try a squeakie toy. Dogs love those.