My Dog’s Friendly! The Most Unfriendly Thing You Can Say…

A Familiar Encounter on a Peaceful Walk

The other day I was walking my dog. We were enjoying each other’s company on a nice, quiet Sunday afternoon. Up ahead, we saw a man and his dog walking towards us. As a courtesy, I always move to the side and give space to people and dogs walking past me. Just as the gentlemen and I began to pass one another, me giving him and his pup space, he said to me (referring to his dog) “oh he’s friendly!” I smiled and kept walking, at the same time he let his dog go the end of his leash, letting it turn back around and pull towards Daisy, trying to get a good sniff of her behind.

There are many reasons why someone may not want to say hi to your dog. In this case, the dog approaching us was pulling on his leash. This indicates a dog that is being very pushy and most likely not a good listener. This is not a dog that I would want to interact with on leash. When someone starts the conversation with “my dog’s friendly” and you as the other party choose not to engage, it can have a negative impact. It can make the other party feel like the bad guy or, by not interacting, you may be insinuating that your dog isn’t friendly. So, what are some of the reasons that people may not want their dog to say hi to your dog while on a walk?

Reactivity

Some dogs are reactive. This means that they do not process stressful situations rationally. Walking past people and dogs can cause some dogs’ stress levels to elevate. Giving space and not allowing interactions is one of the best ways to help a reactive dog stay calm and learn how to cope with their triggers.

As you can imagine, owning a reactive dog has its struggles. A part of them wishes that their dog could just “say hi” to everyone, but they know it’s in their dog’s best interest to stay focused and give space. When reactive dog owners are immediately met with the phrase “my dog’s friendly,” it can really set them back emotionally. The best thing you can do is read the situation, respect the space, and smile!

Too Young to Say Hi

Did you know that young puppies whose vaccines are not complete can socialize with other dogs? These are dogs within the owner’s inner circle who are vaccinated and not exhibiting any signs of illness. Young puppies are also allowed to walk outside. What they are not allowed to do is walk outside and socialize with unfamiliar dogs!

These are dogs that might mean well, but you don’t know their vaccination history and so the safest bet is to withhold on-leash greetings until all vaccines are complete. If you are walking your dog outside and you see someone taking their new puppy for a stroll, saying “my dog’s friendly” puts the owner in the awkward position of having to repeat all of the above and possibly defend their right to be outside depending on the reaction from the other dog owner.

The Disinterested Owner

Walking my dog brings me a great sense of peace, as I’m sure it does others. I love watching my dog explore the world around her and connecting with her, one step at a time. The last thing I want to do is to stop and talk. My walk is my time with my dog. When a dog owner passes me by and says “my dog is friendly” and I don’t engage, a small part of me feels like an anti-social jerk.

What “Friendly” Really Means

I know most people mean well when they begin a dog walking interaction with “my dog’s friendly,” but the phrase does not have the impact we think it does. If you are out walking your dog for the sole purpose of trying to find them entertainment and a dog friend, then you are approaching the walk all wrong.

It’s great that you have a friendly dog. But there are many dogs and owners out there who do not want their dog to say hi to yours. And “friendly” has nothing to do with it.

A Better Way to Connect

My recommendation would be to just go for a walk. If you see another dog being walked, smile, say hello, and keep walking. Send a compliment! Maybe “nice looking dog” or “I love the sweater he’s wearing!” These positive comments can sometimes open the door to an organic interaction, which is great! But don’t go into it expecting anything more than to make someone else and their dog feel great.

Ditch “my dog’s friendly” and instead, just be friendly!