05/11/2025
Today I have written a longer article because this is a subject surrounded with so many myths and worries for every dog owner.
Humans and dogs are individuals and as much we and they do not like every person or dog we meet. Inevitably there will be disagreements. If we sit down next to someone who says ‘hello’ we instantly feel more relaxed. In our human world there are people who we meet who love a good debate or even an argument and this may be influenced by the time of day we meet them, how we feel at that moment and who we are. In the dog world there are many factors too that influence the interaction your dog has with others of the same species.
Many features influence how smoothly these meetings with other dogs go. Being aware of some of the main factors helps support positive meetings between our dog and other dogs on walks. It means we understand why they went well or how they could have gone better.
Previous experiences – it takes two to communicate and on how the other dog has communicated previously will influence how your dog behaves in that moment. On and off lead can be very different or in structured sessions such as a training class with clear rules and boundaries that too may be very different. If your dog has had positive play experiences previously as a young dog, these strong foundations are invaluable. Likewise, a scary incident is ‘blasted on the memory’ of your dog. Memories don’t die.
Different breeds have different styles of play - Some like to be chased, some just like running as fast as possible for as long as possible, for some ‘boxing’ or being up on their hind legs or neck grabs will be the predominant style. For others, they grab at legs or the body and a difference in size does matter. The ability to read each other and moderate their play style determines whether play develops, or one dog gives up, or one may get frustrated with the other and behaviour we don’t want erupts. Frustration is easily misread as early aggression although it is important to say that not all dogs with frustration are pro social.
What we do- what we are saying, how we say it, the kind of day we are having or how we are feeling on that day, the equipment we are using all play a role in defining how they are connected to us. They all influence how our dog feels in that moment and how they then they interact with the other dog approaching us to play or just say ‘hello’ on lead. Most dogs are much better at communication off lead and recognising this can be helpful in dog-to-dog meet and greets.
Meeting the same dog again even once or twice can be a positive factor in more successful interactions. We too are often more relaxed when we have a known history to relate to. Especially a positive one! Dogs after one or more meetings it will be obvious, they have met before. Scent recognition is a big signal ‘we have met before’ but we must also remember their scent can change. Neutering, illness or a different diet, a dog who has just stayed in kennels, a change in home ‘clan odour’ with the arrival of a second dog or even a cat!!
Pre-existing state of arousal- the arrival of a dog who is running towards your dog can be a real challenge as they are already aroused before they meet your dog. A bouncy playful adolescent dog at speed can present a real challenge to any age of dog. They often come across as over whelming with their play style and their intention of immediate play without the social canine pleasantries, can be a factor in warning defensive motivated signals from your dog. What that dog who is approaching your dog has been doing BEFORE you encounter them that matters.
Remember in any on or off lead greeting between two canines there are four factors to take into consideration: two dogs and two people. That is a lot of factors!! Building social connections between two dogs takes time and patience and human observational learning. Slowing down the meeting process often leads to a greater impact on the dog’s behaviour and supports a greater likelihood of acceptance.
Think SCENT, THEN SIGHT and only when the intensity of the first few seconds has passed and hopefully dropped, should contact between the dogs follow. Teaching a solid ‘break’ cue with a strong and generous reinforcement history is one of my favourite strategies especially effective with dogs in the same family or meet and greets between dogs of the same age group where behaviour escalates very quickly.
The dog is the picture is called Bee, and she is a Beagle with a history that led to dog-to-dog interactions that were not positive, on and off lead. She was young and without strong play foundations to draw on Bee struggled to read other dogs, including the dog she lived with.
After behavioural modification and with fantastic dedicated owners Bee is now living with another dog peacefully. She is living her best life with more to learn off lead meetings her next step.
Finally, observation is your key to success and recognise that not all dogs who engage in play are happily consenting. Learn to read your dog’s canine communication with the support of a professional if you are concerned about your dog's reactions around other dogs.
Sandra Raw -Full member of APBC and a Clinical Animal Behaviourist
[email protected]
www.beechbehaviourcentre.co.uk
