Urban living can be tough on our dogs. And meeting and greeting other dogs on leash can be one of the toughest situations our dogs encounter in their daily life.
Meeting on leash is a completely artificial situation for dogs. The leash and the resulting close quarters means that dogs cannot greet each other in a natural way. Compare the way unleashed dogs greet each other at a dog park with how they meet when on leash.
At a dog park, friendly dogs will approach each other in an arc. After a brief sniff near the shoulders, they will lower their heads and arrange themselves in the nose-to-butt-to-nose-to-butt circle. This is how friendly dogs great each other. Head down, in a circle. It’s the dog world’s equivalent of a friendly handshake. A straight line, head up greeting is generally considered rude and confrontational.
When dogs greet on leash, they are forced into the straight line, head up position. The taut leash prevents them from being able to circle each other, and the pulling on the collar raises their heads into the air. Despite the inability to arrange themselves in a natural greeting posture, most friendly dogs learn to greet each other on leash without incident.
However, sometimes there are problems. Shy or cautious dogs are particularly put off by the straight line, close quarters greeting. Dogs who find urban living particularly arousing can also encounter problems. Here are some things you can do to help.
Ask first, greet second
Please ASK before you allow your friendly dog to rush up and greet another dog. If you have the friendly dog, you have the greatest gift: your dog is easygoing, happy and flexible in new situations. But if your dog is shy, fearful, or just uninterested in meeting new buddies, every uncontrolled greeting is a potential disaster. Every walk may be rife with the stress of watching for approaching dogs. Friendly dog crowd, please remember: it does not matter that your dog is friendly if the other dog is not.
Greet with loose leashes
To the extent possible (be safe!), loosen your leashes to allow dogs to lower their heads and assume the nose-butt circle. You may need to do a little maypole dance while the humans untangle the leashes, but it is totally worth it to allow your dogs to communicate naturally as naturally as possible for the circumstance.
Observe your dog’s body language
If your dog does not look like they want to meet another dog, do not force them! Most humans do not want to stop and greet every person they pass on the street. Your dog doesn’t need to greet every dog, either. If either dog looks uncomfortable, just keep walking.
In a busy urban environment, it can be nice to let dogs greet on leash. But always remember: there isn’t all that much to be gained from any one greeting, but there is always potential that something can go very wrong. Follow these steps to avoid unnecessary risks. Other dog walkers will thank you, too!
Originally published on ArlNow.com, June 2014
