On-Leash Dog Greetings: Yea or Nay?

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Letting your pup greet other dogs while on leash isn’t always fun and games. Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re on a walk.

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably been there countless times. You’re taking Sadie for a walk down the sidewalk and an oncoming dog, also on leash, is approaching you. What should you do? Should you let Sadie greet the other dog when it reaches you, or is it better to just keep walking?

I recommend you avoid greeting the other dog if:

    Yes, that’s a lot of ifs. And I’d bet most of us can check off at least one of those boxes.

    Related:How Dog-Loving Strangers Ruin Well-Trained Dogs

    Have a Sidewalk Strategy

    Now I am all for dogs interacting and playing, but the sidewalk just isn’t the place. First of all, the impolite (by doggie standards) face-to-face direct approach of an oncoming dog can cause your pup a great deal of stress as it creeps closer and closer. By the time that unfamiliar dog reaches you, your dog’s anxiety has been building for half a block, so the likelihood of an on-leash confrontation is much higher than if the same two dogs met naturally in an off-leash park, where they could approach more politely from a curved angle without being forced to make direct eye contact.

    Additionally, the leashes inhibit both dogs’ greeting body language, making the greeting awkward at best, and at worst, threatening to one or both dogs. If your leashes get tangled or you start to pull your dog back, it only exacerbates this botched greeting and increases the risk.

    Related:Should You Bring Your Nervous or Reactive Dog to the Dog Park?

    Many owners think that on-leash scuffles start without warning. I’m sure there is a warning, but unless you’re a dog, you’re unlikely to notice it in time to intervene. So if you can’t predict a confrontation, all you can do is avoid putting your dog in that situation.

    Leashed walks are a time for your dog to spend with you, not a time for him to be dragging you down the street in search of his next playmate. It’s not fair to expect him to walk politely with you on a loose leash if he is also allowed to drag you towards a dog that is approaching on the sidewalk. If your dog is the playful type, find places that allow him to romp freely: dog parks, doggie daycare facilities, playdates with a friend or neighbor, or supervised play groups at a training or boarding facility.

    Pick up the Pace

    Once you’ve resolved to put your dog’s safety first and avoid on-leash greetings, how can you avoid other dogs walking down the street? Practice a technique I call “the New Yorker walk.” It has four components:

      By channeling your inner New Yorker and making your dog’s safety a priority, you’re ensuring that your dog won’t have negative on-leash experiences that could have a long-term impact.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      ADVERTISEMENT

      You May Like

      Best Cargo Liner

      These unique cargo liner designs will prevent dirt, stains, pet hair, and scratches from ruining your car, as they are designed to protect the cargo area, offer your pet comfort, and keep your car looking pristine.
      Product Review: Madra Mor Mud Treatment

      Because it’s Pampered Pooch month on PetGuide.com, I can’t think of a better time to try out Madra Mor Mud Treatment When I heard about the Madra…
      New Study Shows That Many Pet Car Seat Safety Restraints Are Ineffecti

      Subaru and the Center for Pet Safety’s crash test results unsettling With new car safety products designed for dogs entering the market, it’s imp…
      Top 10 Dog Breeds With Allergies

      There are some breeds that are more susceptible to having allergies. We''re going to go over the Top 10 dog breeds with allergies.
      Florida Softshell Turtle

      The Florida Softshell Turtle is best suited to experienced turtle owners. It is the biggest of all of the North American Softshell Turtles.
      What is Syringomyelia in Dogs?

      An inherited disorder, syringomyelia in dogs affects the skull. A disease seen in smaller-breed dogs, here''s what you need to be on the lookout for.
      Porkfish

      The name porkfish is usually used to describe a particular species of grunt that can be found in the tropical regions of the world.
      How To Deal With Dog Poop When Nature Calls During a Hike

      What do you do when your dog poops in the woods? Leave no poo behind - you''ve still got to abide by the practice of pooping and scooping!
      Eels

      Eels are one of the more fascinating species of fish in the aquarium trade. They are characterized by their long bodies and snake-like heads.
      Bengal

      The highly intelligent Bengal forms close and strong bonds with their humans, seeking attention and placing themselves in the middle of all activities.
      Stripe-Necked Musk Turtle

      The Stripe-Necked Musk Turtle will be anywhere from olive brown to brown in carapace color. They should only be handled when it is necessary to do so.
      The Much-Loved Furbo is 46% Off on Amazon Right Now

      Remember Furbo? You probably do. It was the hands-down winner of our “ Best Pet Tech of 2018“, it’s been featured on Ellen, and for anyone…
      Dartfish

      Dartfish are a family of small, colorful saltwater fish. They are similar in appearance to gobies and are characterized by their long, eel-like bodies.
      Ask the Animal Communicator: Heartache of Losing a Pet

      In most cases, our precious pets will pass before we do. And yet when that time finally arrives, the worry and pain and grief can feel unbearable.
      Gotland Rabbit

      The Gotland Rabbit is inquisitive and energetic. A rare breed from Sweden, this rabbit will benefit from time spent exercising and interacting with you.