Once your
dog is consistently reacting to the presence
of other
dogs with
relaxed body language and happily looking to you for his next treat, you are ready to start slowly closing the distance from other
dogs.
Safe and successful introductions between adult
dogs are most likely when the following conditions are met: a. Both
dogs are regularly socialized and have no history
of aggression b. Both owners have voice control (at minimum) over their
dogs in stimulating situations (i.e. there is a balance between stimulation and control) c. Both owners know their
dogs well and are able to read canine signals d. Both
dogs are able to approach on slack leashes with
relaxed body language e. Both owners are
relaxed and confident f. Owners have good communication with one another g. Neither
dog is wearing any training equipment that might cause unintended corrections or inhibit natural
body language h. Neither
dog is on a taught leash or a retractable leash i. Both
dogs have the freedom to walk away j. Owners have good communication with one another
And you can tell because your
dog's ears are laid back,
body language is
relaxed, and your
dog is so in tune with your assertion
of power that your
dog is almost automatic in responding to commands.