11/12/2025
👋 Woof Wisdom Wednesday: Leash Greetings 101
On-leash meetings can be tricky. Dogs naturally prefer to greet in wide arcs with lots of space, but the leash removes that option — which is why leash greetings can sometimes lead to frustration or reactivity.
Smart leash habits:
*Teach puppies early – not every dog on a walk is a friend to greet. Learning to calmly pass by others prevents future leash reactivity.
*3-second rule – if a greeting happens, keep it short. A quick sniff, then walk away before tension builds.
*Keep leashes loose – tight leashes add stress and restrict body language.
*Focus forward – reward your dog for checking in with you instead of fixating on the other dog.
✨ And here’s some reassurance: even dogs who struggle with on-leash greetings often have zero issues in our off-leash setting here at Happy Dogs Maui. Once the leash is gone, they can communicate naturally, relax, and enjoy healthy social play.
👉 How does your pup do on-leash greetings — calm passerby or social butterfly?
