Taking your dog for a walk can be a productive, enjoyable activity until you meet another dog on the walking path. Even if the other dog is accompanied by a handler, you often won't know a nice dog from a mean one until it's too late. Your own dog can be unpredictable, too, when confronted with another canine. So how can you safely and smoothly handle encounters with other dogs on the pathways? Here are eight tips that'll help:   .   Train your dog for walking in public. Before you make a routine of walking your dog on public sidewalks and walking paths, make sure he is adequately leash trained. A dog that's comfortable walking on a leash, knows how to heel, and obeys your commands will be much easier to handle than a dog that's loose, weaving back and forth, or pulling you on the walk--especially when an unfamiliar dog pops onto the scene.  .   Be prepared when you leave the house. Certain supplies can help you avert trouble should you encounter another dog while out walking. Small treats and a whistle or other attention diverter are two items worth carrying in a pocket or waist pouch; either will allow you to redirect your dog's attention to you. If your dog is an aggressive puller, make sure he is fitted with a collar that gives you better control, like a martingale, harness, or pinch collar.  .   Walk in areas with options for diverting. Sometimes it's easier to avoid encounters with other dogs than to face uncertainty. If possible, choose walking paths or sidewalks that allow you to change your route should you need to. Walking paths that veer in several directions or sidewalks that have a quiet street to cross between them are good options. When stuck, you can always turn around and head back in the direction you came. .   Assess encounters with dogs in advance. During your walk, always stay alert and on the lookout for approaching dogs. Once you see an impending encounter, try to assess the situation. Is the approaching dog heeling obediently next to his handler, indicating a well-trained dog? Or is he pulling the handler--or worse, unleashed or alone? Assessing a situation before it happens will help you determine whether you need to change directions.  .   Put space between two unfamiliar dogs. If you choose to pass another dog and handler, be sure to put space between your dog and the approaching dog. Keep your dog on a short leash, and have him walk on the side of you that's farthest from the other dog. By putting space between two unfamiliar dogs, you will help keep them both from feeling crowded or threatened, which can lead to aggressive behavior.  .   Don't let a dog's breed fool you. While certain breeds can cause more fear and anxiety than others, how well behaved a dog is has a lot to do with training. A typically docile breed can be uncharacteristically aggressive upon meeting strangers, just as a normally aggressive breed can be docile. In other words, don't judge how an encounter will play out based on breed alone; look for other signs, like body language and control by the handler.   .   Reprimand and offer praise when called for. You and your dog are just as responsible as the approaching walkers for making an encounter with another dog trouble-free. When your dog listens and behaves while out walking with you, be sure to offer praise or treats. Likewise, when he acts aggressively or doesn't mind your commands, correct him. Teaching your dog proper sidewalk etiquette will help make uncertain encounters safe and peaceful.   .   Exude confidence. Dogs pick up on emotions, so don't let on that you're nervous or apprehensive. Be confident while out walking, even--and especially--when another dog is approaching. Speak to your dog in a calm voice, and walk with a smooth, steady pace. Whether you stop for a meet-and-greet, pass by each other, or divert your path, stay positive and composed; your dog will take your cue.   Passing another dog on the sidewalk or pathway should be an easy, uneventful experience. When in doubt about an approaching dog, however, it's better to be safe than sorry. The above tips can help make sidewalk encounters with other dogs comfortable, smooth, and free of stress.

Once you've prepared your home and chosen your dog, the next important steps are training and socialization. It is highly recommended that you take a short dog training course with a professional trainer. That will ensure basic obedience training is dealt with in a thorough and timely manner. Socializing your dog means getting him used to being around other people, animals and traffic. He will have to learn appropriate behavior in such situations. It is your job to teach him. Fortunately, most dogs are eager to please their owners and acquire new skills quickly.   For your dog's well-being, you should have him inoculated and micro-chipped at the earliest opportunity. Once you've done that, he can safely go out for walks. Socialization begins with habituation. It is important to expose your dog to a wide variety of situations every day so he can begin to get used to them.   Puppies are easier to teach as their young minds are still impressionable. An older dog can be more difficult to re-educate. However, with patience and care there should not be too many problems along the way.   Socializing your dog involves getting the balance right between discipline and confidence. A puppy's first experiences of the world at large can be overwhelming. He may be frightened of traffic, urban noise and other people. In this case, you need to help him build his confidence. The best way to do that is by showing him that you are not afraid. It is also important to reassure him with kind words and cuddles. On the other hand, he may need to learn to control his instincts. If the sight of every toddler, bird or other dog leads to him barking and pulling at the leash, then you will need to teach him discipline.    When you discipline your dog, you should always be firm but never angry. Speak clearly and directly in a tone of command but never shout. In most cases, restraining your dog on the leash and giving him a verbal a command will be sufficient. In rare cases, it is acceptable to give him a short, sharp tap on the muzzle with your fingers. However, remember that the idea here is not to hurt your dog. The tap should be painless and serve only to ensure his attention to your verbal command.   When meeting other people, you should feel confident that your dog will not jump up at them. During first encounters, always keep your dog on a short leash and give him the command to 'sit'. If he tries to jump up, restrain him and give him the command, 'No'.  When he behaves correctly, give him a treat and tell him he's a good boy!   When meeting other dogs the same initial caution should be exercised.  Most dogs will greet one another with a bit of sniffing and tail-wagging. Occasionally, males can be more aggressive. Again, keep your dog on a short leash for the first encounter.  If he or the other dog becomes aggressive, walk away.   If you are out in the country, it is your responsibility to ensure that your dog doesn't trouble any livestock or wildlife. Always keep him on a leash. Even the quietest dog can be overwhelmed by the sudden instinct to give chase. As training progresses and you come to trust your dog, you will be able to let him run free in appropriate places but it is still your responsibility to be vigilant and restrain him as necessary. A combination of professional obedience training and daily education should result very quickly in a happy, trustworthy and well socialized dog.