Appropriate On -Leash Greetings

Dog to Dog:

Always ask ‘ is your dog-friendly?’ before approaching. If owner pauses, or if their dog’s body language says otherwise (dog goes stiff and fixates, hackles up, and licks lips), politely decline the greeting opportunity. Keep your dog focused on ‘looks’,’ touches’, and rewards and praise as you walk past to avoid frustration.

Gain focus of your dog before rewarding him with greeting the other dog. A quick “look” or “touch” is a good start. If your pup cannot focus, he loses the opportunity to interact.

Keep it brief. A few seconds is appropriate. If play breaks out, thirty seconds of play is okay as long as a quick redirection is given to each dog in the middle of it, (Call, get focus, then reward with more play).

Keep a loose leash. If you stiffen, your pup will feel your tense energy. Dogs are also likely to feel trapped and unable to flee if need be. Make sure leashes do not get tightly tangled.

When you’re ready to end an interaction, cheerfully call your dog away with “touch” or lure with food. Resist the urge to pull your dog away, as this sudden tension can result in miscommunication and stress for both dogs.

Most dogs want by way of a greeting is a quick butt sniff. If both dogs go nose to nose, one should veer off for the butt sniff. If one dog’s head goes above the other dog’s head, either play will break out or a scuffle may happen.

Dog to Human:

Jumping

Manage the situation:

If your dog is wearing appropriate equipment (preferably a no-pull harness) you can step on your leash when stopping to chat. In this case, if your dog decides to jump, the equipment will do the work and keep him on the ground. Your dog then can be petted and paid attention to without accidentally reinforcing inappropriate behavior.

Train the situation: If your dog jumps on a friend or stranger on the street ask the person to turn his back on your dog or take a step backward, so their paws slip off and the dog is grounded. Then you or other humans can follow up with a “sit” cue. When the dog is sitting and calm, the dog can be petted and calmly greeted. Repeat if your dog jumps!

Consistency is key– If your dog is occasionally reinforced for jumping–even accidentally–the dog will get confused. The ultimate goal of ‘ no jumping’ will take much longer.

Human to Dog:

Avert your eyes away from a dog and refrain from leaning or bending over the dog.

Allow the dog to sniff you before making an attempt to pet.

Approach sideways–not head-on or from behind.

Petting should be done under chin, never on top of the dog’s head.

For small or shy dogs, bend down to their level (sideways and without eye contact.) Slowly hold your hand out to let a little dog approach and sniff you. Having a treat in one hand or tossing the dog a treat will help make a positive association with new people and greetings.