28/08/2026
Yesterday's post may have been tongue in cheek but some of the comments section really show that people are struggling with some of the doggy community.
If you have a social friendly* dog who loves absolutely everyone - I'm genuinely very pleased for you! If that dog is still a puppy, please be aware that how your dog feels about other dogs when they are an adult is still to be determined. Protecting them from frightening interactions with other dogs helps keep them happy-go-lucky!
Lots of people don't necessarily have that social butterfly dog - they may have a genetically fearful dog, a rescue, a dog with poor social skills or a more difficult dog to socialise (very big and boisterous dogs may struggle to find appropriate friends). They may have a dog who does great with females but gets competitive with males. They may have a dog who copes with chronic pain or has had a bad experience with a certain breed. It's better to assume that their dog doesn't need yours in their space than to guess wrong.
🐕🦺Things we can do to make everyone's lives easier.
🐾 Be aware! Keep an eye on your dog and the surroundings.
🐾 Keep an eye out for special patches, tabards, lead sheaths or muzzles. This can signify an anxious or reactive dog (see Yellow Dog UK) who needs more space or simply a dog who is in training or is a guide or service dog.
🐾 If you see someone making elaborate manoeuvres to avoid you OR putting leads on OR doing focus type exercises GIVE THEM SPACE!
🐾 If your dog is off lead, put them on lead - even if their heel is immaculate. This signals to the other owner that you have seen them and are taking steps to make things easy for everyone.
🐾 If you can go a different way - why not? If you do have to pass, find the widest space possible.
🐾 Put your dog on your outside so you are between your dog and the strangers. Make sure your dog is on a short lead or, if you are using a Flexi, it is essential that it is locked short.
🐾 Please do not stop to have a conversation or ask what the problem is. A friendly "hello" or "thank you" is perfect!
🐾 Try not to come up behind dogs on lead or walk through a group of dogs together.
*Quite a lot of the "friendly" dogs I've encountered have had body language that actually said uncomfortable, anxious or over-aroused. They can come across as rude and this can trigger a negative reaction. In turn this can make the friendly dog less social and potentially reactive themselves.
Top Tip
🐾 If in doubt - shout!
There's no harm in being cautious - call ahead and ask. If the dog is on lead or the person looks hyper alert try:
"Shall I put him on lead?"
"Would it be easier if we go round the other way?"
"Is your dog okay to pass?"
A little consideration goes a long way and means everyone can have a great walk with their best friend 🐾
