06/10/2026
I cannot say this enough. It seems to be an old wives tail that won’t die.
Our insistence is a problem.
We can be so focused on wanting them to play, wanting them to have friends and wanting them to meet that dog across the road, that we forget what we are trying to actually achieve.
It is always with the best of intentions.
Truly it is.
And then suddenly, “out of the blue”, your dog is now dragging you towards that dog in the distance.
They’re single mindedly intent.
It can start as puppies, its cute and you’re thrilled they want to make friends.
“She just wants to say hello to every dog”
She probably does but are we already knee deep into a well-rehearsed habit?
What happens when they don’t meet?
Is your dog scrambling to get closer on the lead?
Is there barking or whining?
Obvious frustration?
Are they able to walk away and accept “not now”?
More won’t necessarily teach the skills they need.
What does?
Being choosy and careful, especially when on a lead.
Because not every dog wants interaction.
Not every dog is socially skilled.
Not every dog is a good match.
And a few appropriate interactions often teach far more than dozens of random greetings.
