Respecting other dog's spaces
I feel this is a very important thing for all dog owners to be aware of.
When out on walks with our dogs we usually encounter all sorts of different dogs for our dogs to interact with, but when is it OK to approach another dog with your dog and when isn’t it?
My general rule of thumb is if the dog is on a lead, either ask the owner first, or give that dog some space from your dog. The reason is because when dog’s are on their leads, they are restrained from natural communication with other dogs (you’ll notice dog’s often wrap each others leads up trying to sniff each other), and this can lead to displays of aggression from one or both of the dogs. And, if the dog’s are tangled, it’s going to be tricky to safely separate them.
Another reason why it’s not always best to allow your dog to greet another dog that’s on lead is because that dog may be nervous, fearful, in pain etc. so, always respect the other owner’s wishes, and if they say ‘no’ to your dog approaching, it’s nothing against your dog, they are just looking out for the best interest of their own dog. Even if your dog is the friendliest dog out there, don’t allow them to approach other dog’s on lead without permission.
When dog’s are off lead, it’s usually safe to allow your dog to go over and say hello, assuming that if their owner’s let them off lead that they are approachable dogs. However, always assess for yourself, if the other dog looks unsure and stiff, call your dog away and ask the owner first. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Another point I feel is important to add is that a dog that growls is not a nasty dog. So, If a dog does ever growl at your dog, he is just telling your dog to back off a bit. Or, if your dog is the growler, please don’t feel obliged to tell him off, just remove him if you feel he is getting a bit overwhelmed. As humans we feel it is necessary to tell our dogs off when they growl because we are embarrassed what the other owner might think. Forget about them, as long as your dog is causing no harm to the other dog, let him growl, it’s their way of communicating how they feel.
www.4pawswalkies.co.uk
When out on walks with our dogs we usually encounter all sorts of different dogs for our dogs to interact with, but when is it OK to approach another dog with your dog and when isn’t it?
My general rule of thumb is if the dog is on a lead, either ask the owner first, or give that dog some space from your dog. The reason is because when dog’s are on their leads, they are restrained from natural communication with other dogs (you’ll notice dog’s often wrap each others leads up trying to sniff each other), and this can lead to displays of aggression from one or both of the dogs. And, if the dog’s are tangled, it’s going to be tricky to safely separate them.
Another reason why it’s not always best to allow your dog to greet another dog that’s on lead is because that dog may be nervous, fearful, in pain etc. so, always respect the other owner’s wishes, and if they say ‘no’ to your dog approaching, it’s nothing against your dog, they are just looking out for the best interest of their own dog. Even if your dog is the friendliest dog out there, don’t allow them to approach other dog’s on lead without permission.
When dog’s are off lead, it’s usually safe to allow your dog to go over and say hello, assuming that if their owner’s let them off lead that they are approachable dogs. However, always assess for yourself, if the other dog looks unsure and stiff, call your dog away and ask the owner first. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Another point I feel is important to add is that a dog that growls is not a nasty dog. So, If a dog does ever growl at your dog, he is just telling your dog to back off a bit. Or, if your dog is the growler, please don’t feel obliged to tell him off, just remove him if you feel he is getting a bit overwhelmed. As humans we feel it is necessary to tell our dogs off when they growl because we are embarrassed what the other owner might think. Forget about them, as long as your dog is causing no harm to the other dog, let him growl, it’s their way of communicating how they feel.
www.4pawswalkies.co.uk
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