As an owner of a friendly dog, it’s important to be respectful and considerate towards anxious or reactive dogs, as it can greatly impact their well-being. Here are some ways you can be more respectful towards anxious or reactive dogs:
7 Tips for Owners of ‘Friendly Dogs’ – when seeing on Leash Dogs, Anxious Dogs etc.
Ask for permission before approaching
Always ask the owner of the anxious or reactive dog for permission before allowing your dog to approach them. Respect their space and boundaries. Understand that not all dogs are comfortable with interactions, and it’s important to respect their individual needs.
Observe body language
Pay attention to the body language of the anxious or reactive dog, as well as your own dog. If the anxious or reactive dog is showing signs of stress, fear, or discomfort, such as growling, barking, cowering, or trying to move away, it’s important to respect their signals and give them space.
For more: Body Language of a Scared or Anxious Dog
Use positive reinforcement
If you do get permission to allow your friendly dog to interact with an anxious or reactive dog, use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats or toys, to reward calm and relaxed behaviour. Avoid forcing interactions or allowing your dog to overwhelm the anxious or reactive dog, as it can create more stress and anxiety for them.
Leash control
Always keep your dog on a leash in areas where leash laws apply, and maintain proper leash control. Avoid allowing your dog to approach or invade the space of an anxious or reactive dog without permission, as it can trigger their reactivity and cause distress.
Be understanding and patient
Understand that anxious or reactive dogs may have unique needs and challenges, and it’s important to be patient and understanding. Avoid making judgmental comments or assuming that the anxious or reactive dog is aggressive or poorly trained. Respect the owner’s efforts to manage their dog’s behavior and support them in creating a safe and positive environment for their dog.
Look out for information | awareness gear
If you have a friendly dog, share information about their behaviour and temperament with others, so that they can make informed decisions about whether or not to approach your dog. For example, lots of anxious dog guardians use yellow awareness gear (for more: dogs in yellow). This could be a “yellow ribbon” or “caution” leash or bandana as a signal that their dog may need space. Please respect this. If a friendly dog approaches, this can setback their progress in ways that people who haven’t been on a similar journey with their own dogs very hard to imagine.
Please also keep in mind, that a dog is classified as “Out of Control” if “it does not come back when you call it” – this means, if you don’t have a super solid recall, please leash your dog.
Be willing to change your approach
If you notice that your dog’s behaviour is causing distress to an anxious or reactive dog, be willing to change your approach. This may mean keeping your dog at a greater distance, redirecting their attention, or moving away from the anxious or reactive dog. Being flexible and adaptable in your interactions with other dogs is important for creating a safe and respectful environment for all dogs.
Remember that every dog is different, and it’s important to be respectful and considerate towards the needs of anxious or reactive dogs. By being mindful of their behaviour, communicating with their owners, and using positive reinforcement techniques, you can create a positive and respectful interaction between your friendly dog and anxious or reactive dogs.
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