01/26/2023
On-lead interactions with other dogs โ why can they go pear shaped?
In our Wondrous Walks group sessions we have recently been talking about some problems with on-lead interactions, impact on body language, and why these interactions can go wrong. It is not uncommon for me to hear โmy dog is worse with other dogs when on-leadโ or similar. What are some problems with on-lead interactions?
๐พDirect, nose-to-nose approaches. Polite, socialised dogs (this is a dog that can read other dogs and know when to give them space, not a dog that wants to play with every dog that they see) do not greet โhead onโ. They will give some space upon greeting, moving in a semi-circle type movement, and spend more time at the bum (this may change if they know the dog very well but should be the case with unknown dogs). Face-to-face, nose-to-nose greetings are intimidating for dogs and can go wrong. That direct, going in a straight line to each others face, isnโt really what polite dogs would do. Unfortunately, when us humans are leading the way, we sometimes restrict movement (people tend to stand with the lead fully outstretched only allowing dogs access to each otherโs face), and often cause direct approaches (along pavements) so this can make the interaction uncomfortable.
๐พLimited movement. Limited movement means limited ability to move away, the interaction going on for too long, or possibly dogs being in a situation they wouldnโt have opted for in the first place. Sometimes people say to me โif my dog doesnโt want to say hi to another dog off-lead they just move away, on-lead they get very loudโ. This is because they canโt move away. No flight option, so they use the other option that is generally most functional, which can sound scary (and that is the point - it increases space quickly).
๐พBody language being โworsenedโ because of the lead. If a dog really wants to get to another dog, they might pull on the lead. This can look intense and intimidating anyway, but often this results in tension up through the shoulders as they pull against their walking equipment. This can look like posturing (think of this as squaring up) to other dogs, who may not be as thrilled to see your incoming dog as a result, even though that wasnโt your dogโs intention at all.
๐พDifficulties with walking equipment. There are lots of dogs that have difficulties involving limitations of walking equipment and can find this frustrating. I see this a lot in overseas rescue dogs. This can affect their interactions with other dogs or people. In addition to this, if your dog is not comfortable with their walking equipment, then this will impact their behaviour and this includes how they respond to other dogs.
๐พHumans not being able to read dog body language: I donโt need to explain this one! Being able to read your dog, and other dogs, is essential for knowing what dogs are saying and could avoid some unwanted interactions.
๐พPast trauma or associations: if your dog has ever been scared by another dog whilst on-lead, or scared by another dog full stop (what scares a dog is decided by the dog, not us), this can impact how comfortable they are with greeting on-lead. This can affect dogs of any age, including puppies and adults.
There are other reasons that on-lead interactions can end up going badly, such as specifics relating to the individual dogs, even down to physiology and health issues. If you think your dog struggles with interacting with unknown dogs on-lead, then there is nothing wrong with avoiding on-lead interactions, or managing them carefully based on the needs of your dog (taking them slowly, keeping them short and positive). If there has been a sudden or worsening behavioural change for your dog, then a vet visit is needed.
Wondrous Walks group sessions are currently taking place in the Dawlish Area (South Devon), our February course is fully booked and I am taking waiting list places for the next one after that.
I will soon be running a dog body language workshop and/or webinar, so if this would interest you too then let me know.
You can also find out more about dog body language and the importance of choice in my book Empowering Your Dog Through Choice, which is available on Amazon.
Disclaimer: if you think your dog has a tough time around other dogs then make safe and sensible decisions around how you introduce them to others. Leads are a must for safety. This may also include introductions being slow and over the course of multiple meets, sometimes use of muzzles might be required. Safety and good judgment always.
