Skip the on-leash hello.
It’s natural to want your dog to say hi when you pass another dog on a walk. But those nose-to-nose greetings we see every day can create unnecessary tension.
Why?
When dogs are restrained, they can’t move freely away, approach at their own pace, or use their normal body language as easily. A tight leash can create tension and tension can quickly turn a friendly encounter into a stressful one.
So, what should you do instead?
• Keep the leash loose: Avoid tugging on the leash. Use short, light directional taps on the leash to communicate we are moving along or slowing down.
• Keep moving: Walking side-by-side or passing another dog is less confrontational than a nose-to-nose interaction.
• Watch their body language: Loose, relaxed bodies are a good sign. Stiffness, staring, freezing, or trying to move away means it's time to create space.
• Remember: Dogs don't need to say hello when on leash. Learning to calmly pass or walk with other dogs are important leash skills.
Socialization isn't about meeting every dog. It's about teaching your dog how to feel confident and comfortable when these encounters occur.
Sometimes, the best greeting is simply “nice to see you” from a distance.
Our next tip will focus on how to better greet other dogs and people during your walk.
The Minca Team