Purple and Paws Before I adopted Socks, my family had two dogs. Whenever we would see another dog during our walks, we almost never let them meet and greet because we weren’t sure how they would react (and since most of the time their hair stood up and they started growling, this was probably wise). But Socks is different. If he spies a strange dog on our walks, he almost always shows interest in meeting another four-legged friend. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years about how to handle meet-and-greets.
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Let Them Sniff Each Other
I know I tend to feel a bit embarrassed when Socks immediately starts sniffing another dog’s butt and I have to resist the urge to apologize and pull him away. But this is just how dogs greet each other and to them, it’s perfectly normal and natural.
Don’t Tense Up
You never know what’s going to happen during a meet-and-greet, which is why I tend to tense up. But dogs can tell when their owners are unhappy and stressed, so try to relax. If you’re giving off calm vibes to your dog, he or she will stay calm in turn.
Use the Leash
If growling or teeth baring occurs, separate the dogs and go on your way. Most of the time Socks is super friendly to other dogs he encounters, but there have been occasions when hackles rise and things turn aggressive. Since he’s always on a leash, I’m able to lead him away with no harm done to either dog.
Ask the Owner
Always check with the other dog’s owner before attempting to meet-and-greet. Some owners know their dogs can’t handle a casual sniff while others are eager to socialize their pets. “Is your dog friendly?” is the perfect opener.
Meeting new dogs on walks can be fun, and with these tips, your dog will make tons of new friends!
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