Our general rule with our own dogs is to completely avoid on-leash greetings with unknown dogs when out on a walk, especially with a young dog. Dogs communicate through their body language, and tight leashes can cause miscommunications that lead to altercations.
On leash greetings can often create too much tension for dogs to handle, which can result in a dog fight. And if leashes get tangled, it can be very difficult to break up a fight. While I understand why many people do allow their dogs to greet when on leash, I do not encourage a lot of it.
At first, walk the dogs at a distance where they can see each other but are not too provoked by each other's presence. If the dogs are not showing any negative behaviors, reward them with treats just for seeing each other.
Dogs who may normally be friendly with other dogs can sometimes become reactive and aggressive when attached to a leash. This behavioral trait, known as leash aggression or leash reactivity, is most frequently triggered by fear or frustration, although a high prey drive can lead to aggression when leashed as well.
Leash aggression is solved by a strategy called desensitization and counter-conditioning, which is trainer-speak for reducing your dog's reaction to the offending trigger (other dog, bike or cat), gaining your dog's attention and training a new behavior instead.
Always check if it's OK for your dog to say 'hello' when passing other dogs on the lead, rather than just allowing them to approach. Dogs who like to be sociable will naturally choose to approach one another side-on in an arc as opposed to head-on, so wherever possible, try to allow for this.
A dog might growl to threaten another dog, or it might be a response to feeling cornered. Growling is also a common symptom of resource guarding. An injured dog will often growl to keep others at bay. In these cases, and more, growling indicates something is bothering your dog.
These are clear expressions of non-aggressive social invitation. Warning signs include stiffness in the body; standing tall; ears pricked hard forward; growling; hard direct eye contact; stiffly raised, fast-wagging tails; lunging on the leash; and aggressive barking.
The 'Rule of Three' means that you can gauge the time it might take for your dog to fully acclimate to his home in threes: three days, three weeks, and three months. Think of your new dog's first 3 days as their time to decompress as they transition from a shelter or foster home into your home.
For small dog owners, it's instinctual to pick up your dog to protect them but don't. Picking your dog up could trigger the approaching dog to jump up and possibly attack. While in your arms, your dog will not be able to defend themselves or run away.
Off lead etiquette
Keep your pooch away from other dogs that are on-lead. Many owners will keep their dog on lead for various reasons such as training, reactive behaviour towards other dogs or people, nervousness or health reasons (including if their dog is post-surgery and is on strict gentle walks).
The proper way to walk your dog on a leash: pack walks. Walk your dog, do not let your dog walk you. If you allow your dog to walk in front of you while on a lead you are reinforcing in the dog's mind that the dog is alpha over you because the leader always goes first.
When close enough, the dogs will greet each other. A good greeting would be the dogs walking up to each other, sniffing, and ending at sniffing each other's behinds. After the butt-sniff — this is the dog handshake — they should be friendly to play.
An aggressive growl will be accompanied by snarling and snapping, while a playful growl is just a sound, accompanied by relaxed body movements (no tension).
Dogs are inherently social animals that live well together in groups, but that does not mean that all dogs get along. Most dogs will welcome a new sibling, but it is not always smooth sailing.
Can dogs live together after fighting? The answer is, most of the time, YES. There are times when dogs may be like an incompatible couple and need to divorce, but in general, there are things you can do to help combative pups get along.
Walking in front of your dog allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he's the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk.
It's natural for dogs to bark and lunge at other dogs on walks. While it's often a friendly canine greeting, it's important to notice when the barking becomes inappropriate, aggressive or excessive.
Take the dogs (separately) to a neutral place like the park. Make sure there are no other dogs around, as this will be distracting. Allow the dogs to meet each other through a barrier if possible, like a fence. Avoid having them on-leash, as pulling on the leash can increase anxiety and even feelings of aggression.
It may seem like just a bad behavior, but leash biting is often a symptom of a dog being frustrated or not fully understanding leash walking. It's especially common amongst young, playful, and excitable dogs, but with training, it can be prevented or eliminated.
If you have a social, yet frustrated dog, simply turn and walk him away from the source until he is calm and only allow him to greet when the leash is loose. Do not punish a dog that lunges on the leash for any reason, especially if the cause of the behavior is insecurity, which is the case for most dogs.
If your dog is leash-reactive, you should work with him on a long line in a large distance to his triggers. This way he won't experience a short and tight leash and can practice calm behaviors successfully.