Why Is My Puppy Scared of Other Dogs?

It can be worrying when your puppy seems nervous, fearful, or overwhelmed around other dogs. Many puppy owners in Melbourne ask me whether this behaviour is normal, and the good news is that fear in puppies is actually quite common. With patience, positive experiences, and the right approach to dog training, most puppies can gradually build confidence and learn to feel safer around other dogs.

Understanding Puppy Fear Around Other Dogs

Puppies go through important developmental stages while they are growing. During these stages, unfamiliar dogs, loud environments, or negative experiences can leave a lasting impression. I often remind owners that even one overwhelming interaction can make a puppy hesitant the next time they meet another dog.

Some puppies are naturally more cautious, while others may not have had enough positive socialisation early on. In busy areas around Melbourne, puppies can quickly become overstimulated if introductions happen too fast, too often and or for too long.

Dog training plays an important role in helping puppies learn that other dogs are not something to fear. Calm and short exposures with positive reinforcement can make a huge difference over time.

Signs Your Puppy May Be Feeling Scared

A fearful puppy may:

• Hide behind you or between your legs
• Tremble or freeze 
• Bark or growl 
• Avoid eye contact 
• Try to run away 
• Crouch low to the ground 

I always encourage owners to pay attention to these subtle signs before fear escalates. Many people assume a barking puppy is being naughty, but often they are simply communicating they are feeling unsure or anxious.

Steps to take for consensual play

To build confidence in your pup:

• Keep plays short and sweet, up to 5 mins at a time
• Give more breaks than the play itself
• Look for role reversals “I chase you, now you chase me”
• Break up rough play and separate for rest time
• It’s ok to say no. You know your pup best, if they’re tired it’s ok to say no to an interaction

Why Puppy School Can Help

Puppy school can be an excellent way to help nervous puppies gain confidence around other dogs in a safe and controlled environment. Unlike busy dog parks, puppy classes are carefully managed to ensure interactions stay positive and appropriate.

I often see shy puppies slowly begin to relax after attending regular puppy school sessions. Through structured dog training exercises, puppies learn important social skills while building positive associations with both people and other dogs.

Puppy school also helps owners understand canine body language and recognise when their puppy may need extra support. For many families searching for “dog training near me”, puppy school is a fantastic starting point because it combines early socialisation with professional guidance.

In Melbourne, attending a positive reinforcement-based puppy school can help prevent fearful behaviours from becoming long-term habits.

How Dog Training Can Help

Positive dog training helps puppies develop confidence at their own pace. Rather than forcing interactions, it is better to create safe and rewarding experiences around calm, friendly dogs.

I recommend starting from a comfortable distance where your puppy can observe another dog without panicking. Reward calm behaviour with treats, praise, or play. Over time, your puppy can slowly learn that seeing other dogs predicts good things.

Consistent dog training at home is equally important. Short sessions of up to 5 minutes, patience, and positive reinforcement will always work better than forcing your puppy into stressful situations, such as letting them play for too long. For high value training treats  Animal World of Boronia is your go to.

Avoid Flooding Your Puppy

One of the biggest mistakes I see is owners taking frightened puppies straight to busy dog parks. While the intention is good, this can sometimes make fear worse.

Instead, choose friends or family members who have calm adult dog to focus on gradual exposure. Dog training should help your puppy feel safe, not overwhelmed.

If your wanting to set your puppy up for success you can view Ethical Dog Training’s puppy school 5 week course through our website.

Building Confidence Takes Time

Every puppy develops at their own pace. I always tell owners that confidence is built through many small positive experiences, not overnight changes. With patience, understanding, puppy school, and consistent dog training, your puppy can learn to feel calmer and more comfortable around other dogs.

Written by Emilia Borkowski 

23.05.26

Images credited to:

Claudio Schwarz, Mayukh Karmakar and Sebastian Coman Travel.