01/08/2026
A question for you all…
You’re approaching someone whose dog starts reacting to yours. They step aside to allow you to pass. What do you do next?
As a Specialist Canine Behaviourist & Boarder, I spend a lot of time working with dogs who are reactive, anxious, or overwhelmed by the world around them.
One thing that often surprises me is how many people, even when they can see I’m creating space to allow them to pass, will stop to engage in conversation or say; "It's alright, let them say hello."
Most people are simply trying to be friendly and genuinely believe they are helping.
However, when someone has deliberately stepped aside, increased distance, or positioned themselves away from another dog, their body language is saying:
"Please just keep walking."
There is usually a reason behind that decision. Their dog may be frightened, overwhelmed, recovering from a difficult experience, or learning that they don’t need to react every time another dog appears. The last thing they need is the added pressure of an unexpected interaction.
Sometimes people believe that allowing dogs to greet will show them that everything is okay. But for a dog who is already struggling, being placed into an interaction they weren’t ready for can often increase stress rather than reduce it.
A reactive dog needs space, not conversation.
I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts. When faced with this situation, what do you do?
Do you keep walking?
Do you create space?
Do you try to engage?
Hounds ‘n’ Harmony
Behaviour Explained | Relationships Transformed
