Dog Health Questions: Canine Good Citizen Test- Reaction to Another Dog Training?

"Test 8: Reaction to another dog-
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler."- American Kennel Club

How can I train my Sixteen month old Wheaten Terrier puppy to practically ignore other dogs?! He loves other dogs and goes berserk trying to get to them so he can play. He become extremely alert and his tail goes over his back. How can I teach him to become less excited? (He's not aggressive at all, just excited.)

Dog Training DVD, A Great Investment in Your Dog

Recommended Answer:
Teach him sit/stay. Your dog should sit or stand quietly and patiently when you exchange pleasantries with someone else. I've seen a lot of people use the "leave it" command then a sit/stay when they get excited during this portion of the test.

Practice, practice, practice.

Successful Dog Training at Home - Having the Right Mindset

• My best advice would be training.
  Take your dog for frequent walks around the neighbourhood where you might pass some other fellow dog-walkers.
  Reinforce each time he shows little to no interest with a treat. Try to distract him if he does get excited, get him to sit and wait.
  
  Also obedience classes work wonders as well. The one I enjoyed most practiced "polite" walking with dogs. (Bypassing people and dogs on walks)


• sigh ....like any OTHER training!!!
  STOP it's unwanted action & reward correct behavior!!!!


• LOTS of socialization. After being around all kinds of dogs for a certain amount of time, he'll stop noticing the other dogs as much. They'll just be the "norm" for him.
  
  Puppy classes are great as well, and the instructor can probably tell you how to further the training to make your puppy focus on you and be oblivious to the other dogs in the area.


• Practice, practice, practice.
  
  He should be doing an automatic sit and stay when you stop for this exercise. He cannot be bothering the other dog if he is holding a stay.