Greeting New Dogs and Familiar Dogs with New People

Being an extremely friendly person, I believe the importance of socializing within both canine and human species. I feel it is what helps to expand communal balance, open-mindedness and harmony. Since taking on this profession I have had to approach this a bit tactfully to ensure the overall health and safety of my clients' pets while maintaining the respect of my clients' wishes.

I am sharing this because I have found myself in an increased number of situations with people who immediately see a dog and want to engage. Hello, who wouldn't want to stop perfect strangers down the street when they're walking alongside this face staring back at them?

As I've noted above this is something I am entirely in favor of,... riiiiiiiight up until I realize people are going for the dog in full blown Elmyra mode without first asking permission. Then you have other instances of individuals who cannot pick up on social cues or appropriate dog on dog introduction and become insistent on imposing a greet between their dog and the one I'm walking.

As a dog owner I was limited to my awareness around my own dogs and ideals of how we go about our daily lives. As a professional dog mom, the ideals of my clients' may differ from my own and I am responsible to maintain carrying out their routines in a healthy and safe environment while ensuring to protect their companions. However, I cannot always achieve this without the help of my fellow pet community and an understanding to respect others within this community.

Therefore, I share this blog hoping to provide insight to be considered to ensure the overall safety when "Greeting New Dogs and Familiar Dogs with New People". It is important for the general public to always enforce asking permission to greet, pet or touch unfamiliar and new dogs. The only exception to this rule is if the dog has happily come to greet you first. Not all dogs are properly socialized, may still be in training or working through behavioral issues (reactiveness, fear, anxiety, etc.). Sadly, too often we hear stories of owners facing medical and legal matters and dogs being put down as a result of strangers being bitten from touching without first getting permission. Unfortunately, these situations can be avoided altogether.

Furthermore, it is equally important for people to respect others, their preferences and understand social cues of others out with their dogs. Simply because your dog is friendly does not mean mine shares the same temperament. This is why I am hardly enthusiastic about off leash and retractable leashes as those circumstances are usually behind owners who are over zealous without considering what's going down on the opposite side.

Aside from dogs who are not properly socialized, working through behavioral issues or still in training, I wanted to share additional information to contemplate and help you understand the reasons for this post.

I work with a dog who is friendly, extremely well versed and trained. Despite these things when initially starting with him, his owners were clear about not wanting him socialized with strangers and other dogs. I was still new to the business, so I did not question this at all as I merely wanted to respect their wishes. However, like you may be wondering I thought this was a bit strange as it didn't make much sense to me. Even with not truly understanding this concept, I have to respect whatever reason behind it. I later learned that reason is because the owners wish to oversee who their dog interacts with as their working dog doubles as a guard dog. Therefore, I would like you to remember this the next time you begin to reach for someone's dog (as applies with service dogs).

I've also had countless situations of people who walk over with their dog both excitedly and an extended leash saying "s/he's friendly" or claiming their dog knows the one I'm walking. Although both these situations may in fact be true, respectfully, in scenario 1 this is never the proper way to approach any new stranger with their new dog and in scenario 2 we are still strangers to each other.

Regardless of any previous interactions your dog may have had with other dogs, as their owners we should always be responsible to approach with caution every first time encounter with new dogs and/or new people. Please understand the reason for this is to ensure the safety of all dogs as the energy may be different between the different people walking with them. The experience may be drastic in contrast as the dogs will respond to new energy.

This is an important one to think of as I believe this is the reason behind so many negative on leash greetings which may lead to negative experiences or association. Both the scenarios provided display an imposition or forced greeting. Dog introductions should be attained with a calm and responsive dog and that begins first with the owner.

Based on these scenarios, I can tell you firsthand that my energy is slightly on the alert/defense towards this type of brazen behavior from a stranger. My first and foremost response is to protect the dog under my care, I WILL hold the lead a bit tighter and my dog will in fact sense this level of tension. However justified, I should not have to respond this way and neither should the dogs I am with.

Thankfully, in every encounter I have experienced I have been able to excuse myself, avoid any accidents from occurring or kept the situation from escalating. I would much rather prefer not finding myself in more situations like these, although I'm certain this is not the case. This is why I share this post. As dog lovers and people of the pet community we should take a more conscious effort to see how our behaviors and actions will impact others. Please be mindful that although your dog is amazing and BIG thumbs up to you guys for achieving, others may still be a work in progress. In all other instances, everyone would benefit if we could all practice good manners and respect for one another. As always, let's be happy, healthy and safe.

DISCLAIMER:

All data, information and/or content contained in this blog is for general informational purposes only. JoJo and KiKo Pet Services LLC. and Nancy Chan makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of any information contained on this blog and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, loss, injuries or damages arising from its display or use. Any reliance you place on the information contained in this blog is strictly at your own discretion. The blog post may contain topics or content related to health and safety. Any health, medical or safety matters should be discussed and consulted with your medical professional or professional trainer.