Walking question; proper approach technique.

[thoughts_refracted]

I am attempting to rid my dog of his obsession with other dogs while we are walking. In the mean time: what is the proper way to allow my dog to sniff another dog when we are out walking? Should I not allow him to, ask for permission to allow him to approach, or just slowly let him out to greet the other dog?

Any recommendations are appreciated.

 

[Herschel]

Ask the other owner for permission. I've met a couple of owners that warn that their dogs don't behave well with other dogs.

If the other owner agrees, let the dogs sniff/play!

 

[Roxy's CD]

I don't like letting my dogs "play" with strange dogs. If it's someone I know ok. But I have no idea how their dogs are going to react. I'm a worry wart, I avoid these kinds of situations.

Do you have any friends that have dogs that your pooch can play with?

 

[RetrieverLove]

First of all, ALWAYS ask permission. It is the responsible thing to do, and it ensures the safety of both your dog, and the other. Everyone has a different take on this. With Emma, I put her in a sit while I ask the owner if she can say hi, when given the okay I'll let her sniff, but never engage in play on the leash. If the other owner is the one asking for permission to see Emma I usually turn it down, only because I know the dogs Emma will typically not get along with (other, playful and dominent females, usually larger dogs) and I usually have not gotten a chance to check that dog out and see if it would "work". If I do think it's okay, I'll put her in a sit and let the dog approach her, then she can get up.

 

[Bailey+Ralph]

I will always ask the owner and expect the same of them

Retrieverlove.......IMO i don't agree that Emma should only be allowed to say "Hi" to another dog on those terms.
I personally would be quite upset if i saw you asking permission for Emma with another dog and then turning it down if i asked for permission from you.

I think that Roxy has it right.........if you don't feel comfortable with Emma greeting other dogs, then it should be a complete "No,no"...........But thats just my opinion

 

[Aussie Red]

I personally don't let mine go and sniff/play with strangers. I don't want a fight that could injure mine or I never know if the other dog has had shots etc.
If I know the owner and the dogs enjoy each others companny " GAME ON "

 

[Bailey+Ralph]

Oh and just to say, i let Bailey say "Hi" to as many dogs as he can........the reason for this is that with his breed i want him to interact as much as possible to hopefully lessen the chance of him becoming "Dog aggressive"

 

[Babyblue5290]

Like everyone else said....always ask the other owner first! There is nothing worse then someone who lets their dog come right up to yours with out asking first!

I also only let Lucas play or interact a lot with certain dogs. If people with Rotties ask I turn them down because I know Lucas isn't fond of those types of dogs. I don't think it's rude at all. I'd rather turn them down, explain why and have them be a bit upset then have their or my dog hurt in a fight.

 

[thoughts_refracted]

Thanks for the responses. And just for the record, he doesn't "play" with other dog, just gets a quick sniff. For now on, asking permission it is. Thanks again.

 

[dr2little]

I don't like letting my dogs "play" with strange dogs. If it's someone I know ok. But I have no idea how their dogs are going to react. I'm a worry wart, I avoid these kinds of situations.

Do you have any friends that have dogs that your pooch can play with?

I'm with you CD. Asking doesn't always guarantee a positive meeting, especially on leash.

OP - If you know how to read body language of both your dog and the other dog you'll be better prepared but I'd still be careful. One misake people make is they talk way too much (to the dogs) while a greeting is taking place. Nerves also cause leash stuff to happen if you're anticipating a possible problem.

 

[Roxy's CD]

dr2little - I heard that it's better to let dogs "meet" off leash. On leash your asking for trouble. Is that true? Something to do with, on leash, they can't do certain body language, and can't interact the way they would normally.

 

[dr2little]

The on leash problems can occur with dogs who are normally fine off leash due to confinement issues. If they sense something from another dog off leash, they have the option to move along. When they sense the same problem while they're on leash, the "flight" option has been removed for them and what's left is fight or at least posturing to avoid a fight.
An example - Sophie was attacked while she was on leash by a min schnauzer. I always avoid them while she is on leash because she's now reactive towards them. While at an off leash park yesterday, she encountered one and just walked away because she was "free" to do so.
That doesn't mean at all that every dog who's reactive on leash will do well off leash. I'm a firm believer that only dogs who are proven social off leash should BE off leash. Problems can and do occur off leash if the dynamics warrent it in the dogs eyes.

 

[Roxy's CD]

Ok. I'd just heard that rumour and thought that there may be some truth to it, Hades will bark and growl (hair raises) if he's on leash. (Not at school anymore YEAH, but on walks) But he's great with any dog off leash.

Thanks for clearing that up for me

 

[GSDlover_4ever]

I NEVER allow my dog to "greet" unfamiliar dogs. There is no need for it. My dogs rarely interact with other dogs outside of the house. I HATE with a passion when people allow there dogs to walk up to mine, and there is usually an argument over it because I dont want their germ infected dogs touching mines.

 

[Herschel]

...germ infected dogs touching mines.

Hahahaha

 

[Aussie Red]

I NEVER allow my dog to "greet" unfamiliar dogs. There is no need for it. My dogs rarely interact with other dogs outside of the house. I HATE with a passion when people allow there dogs to walk up to mine, and there is usually an argument over it because I dont want their germ infected dogs touching mines.

that is what I was saying as well. Just because they are on a leash being walked does not mean they have been vaccinated, de-fleed are not mange carriers etc. That is why if I do not personally know them it's a no go. Also a must that the dogs get along. No real gaurentee there either and would rather my dogs not be served up as the main course.