16/02/2024
1.....2...3...Separate.
If you watch dogs you will see this can be a normal pattern of behaviour that many dogs display when they naturally encounter others and we can mimic this.
You may have even experienced meetings which suddenly turned about 5 seconds after they met, one dog suddenly got snappy. They may have hung around too long and social cues may have been ignored.
The 3 second "rule" is a good way to help dogs that struggle with reading other dogs.
However, this is NOT for dogs that are hyper excited and are "digging" in to meet others....this likely won't help.
🔵If you have a puppy/dog that is calmer and perhaps unsure, this can help.
🔵Choose your dogs wisely for this and watch the body language of BOTH dogs.
🔵Just because 3 seconds is mentioned....if you see an issue before 3 seconds, advocate and remove your dog.
🔵You can do this on a lead BUT remove the tension on the lead, Tension creates tension.
🔵You can repeat this if signals are good after the first meeting. Some dogs will need 4 - 5 micro meetings over a few minutes to be comfortable.
🔵Don't even attempt if either dog is giving a very clear "No"
🔵Dogs do NOT need to meet every other dog they encounter and encouraging that can be dangerous as you know nothing about the other dog....be choosy with this.
✅If your dog doesn't want to engage with any dog, that is just fine. Every dogs sociability is fluid and many do not enjoy the company of other dogs, and even when they do, they can be very choosy.
If you haven't tried this give this a go.... with a well thought out calmer dog to help your puppy or dog that may be struggling.
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