I used to think, "Hey, a leash greeting once in a while is no big deal," or "Why not work on leash greetings with my dog?" But as time has passed and I've gathered more experience (and, honestly, witnessed a few too many preventable disasters), I've shifted my stance to a firm "Nope!" when it comes to on-leash meetings between dogs, especially with dogs we don’t know.
So, why have I become such a strong advocate for saying no to on-leash meetings? Let me break it down:
1. Dogs Feel Vulnerable on a Leash
When dogs are on a leash, their ability to avoid or escape is limited. They can’t just walk away if they’re uncomfortable like they could if they were off-leash. This often triggers a whole range of behaviours meant to create space or fend off what they see as a potential threat. These behaviours can include anything from barking, snarling, or even snapping to make the other dog back off. Leashes simply restrict their natural communication and movement.
2. You Don’t Know the Other Dog
Even if your dog is social and typically enjoys the company of other dogs, the wild card here is the other dog. You don’t know their history or what kind of experiences they’ve had. Maybe they’ve had bad encounters before, or maybe they’re just not comfortable meeting other dogs up close. Plus, even if their owner says, “Oh, they’re fine!” I’ve learned not to take that at face value. Sometimes, dog owners misunderstand their own dog’s behaviour or are overly optimistic about how their dog will react in the moment. It's risky, and it's just not worth the gamble.
3. You Can Avoid Unnecessary Stress
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve waffled back and forth—"Should I let my dog meet this other dog?"—only to find myself stressed the whole time. The truth is, we won’t know how the interaction will go until it’s too late. Why put yourself, your dog, and the other dog at risk? It’s easier (and much less anxiety-inducing) to just avoid the scenario altogether.
4. Social Dogs Have Better Options
If your dog is dog-social, that’s awesome! But here's the thing: on-leash greetings with random dogs aren’t the only way for them to get their social time. In fact, it's not a great way for them to interact. Instead, set up play-dates with dogs you know they enjoy, or take them on parallel walks with their doggy friends. These activities allow them to get that valuable dog-to-dog interaction without the risk of a tense leash meeting. Socialization doesn’t mean every new dog has to be a potential friend on a walk.
So, What’s the Bottom Line?
Play it safe and give other dogs space when you’re out and about on a leash, whether your dog is friendly or not. Honestly, it doesn’t matter if your dog is the sweetest, most easygoing pup in the world. The leash changes things, and not in a good way. If we all gave each other more space on walks, we'd see fewer incidents, fewer stressed-out dogs, and happier outings overall.
Let’s spread the word and create more awareness around this issue. It’s okay to say “no” to on-leash greetings. In fact, it’s often the safest choice for everyone involved.