07/07/2026
I know, I know—everything tells you to 'socialise, socialise, socialise!'
If they're barking? Socialise. If they're nervous? Socialise.
But constantly trying to force your dog to say hello to every dog and person you pass is often the worst thing you can do. You aren't building a "sociable" dog; you’re teaching them they’re entitled to interact with everyone.
The result? Lead frustration—barking, lunging, and shaking the second they can’t get to that "friend."
We want a calm, take-anywhere family dog, right? So aim for neutral presence instead. Teach them that they can be relaxed around other dogs without needing to touch noses with them.
Stop collecting "friends" for your dog on every walk, and start building a dog that’s happy just hanging out by your side. 🐾
If you keep walking then up to everyone because 'you just want them to get used to them', then I'll see you in 6 months when your dog is jumping, lunging, barking and kicking off when on lead or worse, running up to every dog they see if they're off lead.
