Submitted by Shannon McBeth, Owner & Ethical Breeder, Dog Trainer
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Did you know there are right and wrong ways to approach dogs? How about approaching a puppy? When is it okay to allow your dog to approach another dog? When should you allow your children to run up on a dog? When is off leash safe? We’re going to take a look at each of these questions, one by one, in this article.
First and foremost, let’s make “can I pet your dog?” a part of our everyday conversation. We should never approach a dog, especially a puppy, without getting permission from their owner. We could be interrupting training, cause undue stress on the dog resulting in reactivity, or they could be on the job protecting or supporting their person.
The way we approach a dog will tell them a number of things about us. We show them we are safe and will not harm them, that we are nervous or scared of them, or sometimes even that they may be harmed. We do this with our movements, the tone of our voice, and the scent we give off. That’s right, kindness and aggression smell differently to a dog. Have you ever wondered why dogs seem to circle around some people with a wagging tail while they meet others with tails tucked, ears back and barking? This is the reason.
The way we approach a dog will tell them a number of things about us. We show them we are safe and will not harm them, that we are nervous or scared of them, or sometimes even that they may be harmed. We do this with our movements, the tone of our voice, and the scent we give off. That’s right, kindness and aggression smell differently to a dog. Have you ever wondered why dogs seem to circle around some people with a wagging tail while they meet others with tails tucked, ears back and barking? This is the reason.
I’ve often seen people offering a hand for a dog to sniff. This is often an aggressive movement in the eyes of a dog. In a dog attack, the more aggressive dog will reach over the head of the submissive dog and attack the back of their neck. When we push our hand forward, in the eyes of the dog, this is the same as a dog going over their head. For a dog that hasn’t been trained that this movement is safe, you’ve now given them a target to turn there fear towards.
Instead, stand perfectly still. Allow them to sniff and walk around you until they sit in front of you. If they jump, gently step into their space, it will force them backwards and off of you. Once they have settled, you can give them attention and pet them. Pushing at them with your hands, only intensifies the interaction and prolongs the time until they will actually settle for a calm greeting.
Approaching a puppy is a different scenario in a couple of ways. A puppy’s fear period is in the first sixteen weeks and a secondary period between ten and twelve months. Approaching a puppy uninvited during these times could cause them to become fearful and reactive in the future.
On the flip side you could also be interacting with an overly exuberant puppy and depending on how you’ve approached them, you could be increasing the excitement in ways that will delay their ability to greet someone calmly. Wrestling, rough and excitable play teaches a puppy this is how greetings should be. Approach a puppy with calm movements and voice. Wait until they are calm before engaging and remove yourself when play is no longer calm.
When is it okay to allow your dog to approach another dog? I wish I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard someone say, “Oh it’s fine, my dog is friendly.” Being friendly is only the tip of the iceberg when putting dogs together.
We should only allow our dogs to approach others if welcomed by the other dog owner and both dogs are in control and in a positive state of mind. There is a difference between positive excitability and reactivity.
Here are the signs to look for to determine if your dog feels safe in meeting a new friend.
If a friendly interaction turns non friendly, deep growling, lip curled or lunging, separate immediately and wait for a reset, often a full body shake or a yawn, before attempting another interaction.
When is off leash safe? Unless your dog has impeccable recall, please don’t take them off leash where there are other dogs (or any animal) present. An overly friendly dog could enter a dog fight without knowing that’s what is about to happen.
Think about it like this: if you hugged everyone you met on the street, eventually you’ll get punched in the face. If you are looking for off leash fun, be sure your dog comes when called every single time, even in locations with high distractions, and make sure it’s in an off leash approved location. An off leash location indicates anyone and everyone in the area is aware there are off leash dogs there and can respond accordingly.
When should you allow children to run up to a dog? The answer to this question is NEVER. Children should be taught to always ask permission and their adults should be present for all interactions. Even a family pet could turn in certain circumstances due to illness, fatigue or pain.
The most important thing to remember when approaching dogs of any age, size and background is to ask permission, stay calm, allow the dog to approach you first, and if a dog owner declines the interaction, respect their decision. This helps all interactions be positive, for the dogs and their owners.
Instead, stand perfectly still. Allow them to sniff and walk around you until they sit in front of you. If they jump, gently step into their space, it will force them backwards and off of you. Once they have settled, you can give them attention and pet them. Pushing at them with your hands, only intensifies the interaction and prolongs the time until they will actually settle for a calm greeting.
Approaching a puppy is a different scenario in a couple of ways. A puppy’s fear period is in the first sixteen weeks and a secondary period between ten and twelve months. Approaching a puppy uninvited during these times could cause them to become fearful and reactive in the future.
On the flip side you could also be interacting with an overly exuberant puppy and depending on how you’ve approached them, you could be increasing the excitement in ways that will delay their ability to greet someone calmly. Wrestling, rough and excitable play teaches a puppy this is how greetings should be. Approach a puppy with calm movements and voice. Wait until they are calm before engaging and remove yourself when play is no longer calm.
When is it okay to allow your dog to approach another dog? I wish I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard someone say, “Oh it’s fine, my dog is friendly.” Being friendly is only the tip of the iceberg when putting dogs together.
We should only allow our dogs to approach others if welcomed by the other dog owner and both dogs are in control and in a positive state of mind. There is a difference between positive excitability and reactivity.
Here are the signs to look for to determine if your dog feels safe in meeting a new friend.
- Loose body, ears forward, mouth open and wagging tail are all signs of a friendly interaction.
- Tense body, straight and rigid tail, ears pinned, pointed gaze, drooling, hackles raised are all signs your dog (or the approaching dog) are not ready or willing to be friends and the interaction should be avoided.
If a friendly interaction turns non friendly, deep growling, lip curled or lunging, separate immediately and wait for a reset, often a full body shake or a yawn, before attempting another interaction.
When is off leash safe? Unless your dog has impeccable recall, please don’t take them off leash where there are other dogs (or any animal) present. An overly friendly dog could enter a dog fight without knowing that’s what is about to happen.
Think about it like this: if you hugged everyone you met on the street, eventually you’ll get punched in the face. If you are looking for off leash fun, be sure your dog comes when called every single time, even in locations with high distractions, and make sure it’s in an off leash approved location. An off leash location indicates anyone and everyone in the area is aware there are off leash dogs there and can respond accordingly.
When should you allow children to run up to a dog? The answer to this question is NEVER. Children should be taught to always ask permission and their adults should be present for all interactions. Even a family pet could turn in certain circumstances due to illness, fatigue or pain.
The most important thing to remember when approaching dogs of any age, size and background is to ask permission, stay calm, allow the dog to approach you first, and if a dog owner declines the interaction, respect their decision. This helps all interactions be positive, for the dogs and their owners.
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