13/06/2026
🐾 "But My Dog Just Wants To Say Hello..." 🐾
One of the most common things dog owners hear is:
"Don't worry, they're friendly!"
But here's the thing...
👉 Not every dog wants to be greeted.
👉 Not every dog can be greeted.
👉 Not every dog should be greeted.
If you see a dog on a lead, there may be a very good reason why:
🐕 The dog may be reactive or nervous around other dogs.
🐕 The dog could be recovering from surgery, illness, or injury.
🐕 The dog may be in training and learning to focus on their handler.
🐕 The dog might be elderly and uncomfortable with boisterous dogs.
🐕 The dog could simply prefer their own space.
Allowing your dog to run up to another dog can create stress, fear, frustration, and in some cases, lead to a fight that could have been avoided.
What Should You Do Instead?
✅ Call your dog back to you.
✅ Put your dog on a lead if approaching another dog.
✅ Ask the owner if their dog is happy to meet.
✅ Respect their answer, even if it's "No thanks."
Remember:
A dog on a lead doesn't automatically mean they want to say hello.
As dog owners, it's our responsibility to advocate for our dogs and respect the space of others.
🐾 Good manners aren't just for people — they're for dogs too!
Have you ever had someone allow their dog to run up to yours without asking? Let us know in the comments! 👇
