Keira is our 1 year old GSD. We've made so much progress on leash walking, but still need work on dog neutralization (hackles up and barking when too close). I've been taking her by the dog park lately (on the sidewalk on the safe side of the chain link fence). Most of the time the other dogs don't even notice us, which has served its purpose. I do some OB training and "look at me" training. Some progress.

Today, a beagle mix took an interest and came up to the fence placing him about 5 feet from us. Keira of course started barking with hackles up. I tried to pull her away, but was limited because a busy street sandwiched us in. Instead, I told her to sit. She looked at me, continued to bark but eventually sat and looked at me. The hackles went down but the occasional bark was still present.

Once she was calm, I tried to continue walking. But the beagle would follow irritating Keira all over. I quickly realized I was basically stuck. So we did a lot of OB training AND she did great!! Cars zooming by do not faze her - thankfully! And soon the other dog wasn't even a bother. We would do a few commands and then walk a few steps - beagle would follow but Keira stayed calm.

At one point, Keira walked up to the fence - no barking, no hackles up, and sniffed the other dog who had been a really nice dog - just lying on the ground and watching us with the occasional moaning type beagle bark - but not really threatening. Once that 3 sec moment was successful, I called her back and continued what we were doing. The other dog eventually left and we walked home peacefully.

Was letting her say "hi" for that brief moment a good decision? It seemed like an okay moment, but really because the other dog was so calm AND because there was a fence dividing them! I want her neutral to other dogs, but does that mean no small interactions with other dogs?

I think you did great!

I do believe the small non-confrontational visit probably did her some good. She can start to learn now that the dogs are not out to get her, and that she can visit, but only when she is calm. The only thing I would now make sure, is that if she works well, that you choose who she visits with, and not the other way around. You should be releasing her to go visit and then calling her back without any tension in your voice or on the leash. A lot of times, the owner thinking something is going to happen is enough to make something happen.

All in all, I think if I were in your shoes, I would have thought that was a very rewarding training session, for both the dog and the human