TWO SIDES TO EVERY LEASH

A discussion on leash etiquette

By Emily Garland, CPDT-KA, MFA

Social Etiquette is something we don’t tend to think of too much as humans, unless it’s blatantly obvious someone has made an error.

We naturally give each other space. Even in crowded places like grocery stores we tuck into aisles, line-up with space between us and avoid hard eye contact. Unless we’re really good friends, we tend to ignore each other as we pass.

These are all good social skills for adult dogs too, even though for some reason humans seem to want to get their dogs to meet every dog in the universe.

Assume others do not want to meet your dog. They might! But it’s easier to assume they don’t.

It is unnatural for dogs to meet on a leash. This can quicly become a behavioral challenge, contributing to leash reactivity, poor leash manners, and the creation of obsession around dogs. It is best to pass other dogs and humans quickly and calmly.

If you feel the need for your dog to meet other dogs on leash, ask the handler first and develop a cue for your dog to go say hi. I like to use this progression.

1. Ask your dog to sit or focus on you.

2. Observe the other handler. Make sure their dog is under control. (Not pulling or exhibiting difficult behaviors.)

3. Make sure your dog is still sitting or focusing on you.

4. Ask the handler if the dogs can meet.

5. If they say yes, release your dog with a verbal cue. I like to use “Alright, go visit”. (Your dog doesn’t really understand English, so pick whatever word(s) work best for you.

6. Keep the meeting brief. Unwanted behaviors from either dog will end the meet.

In this way, you train your dog to meet in a controlled fashion. No good manners - no meeting dogs, at least on a leash!