This is the question that often devides the opinion of some puppy owners and dog professionals! For me it's a Nay! I can hear puppy owners hearts sinking already!
Heres my Paddy as a pup on his first socialisation walk pre vaccination and - Paddy at 40Kg. Managing his adolesecent frustration was tricky enough without him thinking that seeing every dog meant play time and taking me along for the ride! Or reacting through frustration because he couldn't greet.
For me, i wanted him to see a dog in the distance and look at me calmly "oh look! a dog. What are we doing next mum?"
Allowing puppies to meet and greet other dogs is an essential part of their socialization. However, doing so while they’re on a leash can lead to more harm than good. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why leash greetings aren’t ideal and offer alternative ways to help your pup develop healthy social skills.
Why - Leash Greetings Can Be Problematic
Restricted Movement Can Create Tension
When dogs are on a leash, their movement is limited. This restriction prevents them from displaying natural body language, such as circling, sniffing, or avoiding the other dog. If they can’t communicate properly, misunderstandings may occur, leading to tension or even aggression.
Leash Pressure Increases Stress
The leash itself can cause stress. A tight leash (either from pulling or being held too firmly by the owner) may send the wrong signals to your puppy, making them feel trapped or insecure. They might react defensively, bark, or lunge as a result.
The potential situation of tangling leads and misreading body language builds stress in dog and owner. The pup will pick up on your feelings
Barrier Frustration in Dogs
Dogs can become frustrated when barriers like leashes, fences, or windows prevent them from reaching something they’re interested in. This can lead to barking, lunging, or snapping, but often resolves once the barrier is gone. For example, a dog may act aggressive on-leash but be friendly at the park.
Many owners unintentionally teach their puppies to expect every dog as a playmate. This can cause frustration when they can’t greet every dog, leading to whining, pulling, or barking.
Encourages Over-Excitement
Puppies are often excited to see other dogs, and leash greetings can amplify that excitement. This can lead to pulling, jumping, or excessive barking. If repeated, it teaches your puppy that seeing another dog means losing self-control—exactly the opposite of what you want to encourage.
Risk of Negative Experiences
Not every dog you encounter on a walk will be friendly, calm, or tolerant. If your puppy has a bad experience—like being growled at or snapped at—it could lead to long-term fear or reactivity around other dogs.
on lead greetings may make many dogs uncomfortable, but their owners are so caught up in the belief that they need to meet all the dogs that they’re missing clear signs of stress or reactivity, such as:
- Growling
- Lip Licking
- Staring
- Tail between the legs
- Cowering
- Panting
- “Whale eye”
- Avoidance behavior
- Barking
Alternatives to On-Leash Greetings
So, how do you safely and effectively socialize your puppy with other dogs? Here are some leash-free alternatives:
Organized Play dates
Arrange playdates with dogs you know are friendly, vaccinated, and well-mannered. These interactions should take place in a secure, off-leash area like a backyard or an enclosed dog park.
Rule of three seconds
If you really must let pups meet on lead, consider the rule of three seconds- This is something I use when i am using longlines for practicing recall away from play or to focus back on their human. This is the maximum time for a quick bum sniff. Greetings shouldn't be head on as this can be intimidating or frustrating, but in a nice arc shape.
Parallel Walking
Walking alongside another dog, rather than directly approaching them, allows your puppy to observe and become comfortable without the pressure of face-to-face interaction. Over time, this can help them learn calm behaviour around other dogs.
Controlled Off-Leash Meetings
In a safe, enclosed space, let the dogs meet off-leash where they can interact naturally. Be sure to supervise closely to ensure both dogs are comfortable and the interaction remains positive. Ensure puppy play is 50/50 when it comes to interactions
Some of my fave secure dog fields -
Micklehead Dog Run I Exercise Field I St Helens
Mawdesley Pooch Parks - Secure Dog Walking Field
Home Page Holkerlane dog field Leyland
https://www.midgehalldogfield.co.uk/
Focus on You During Walks
Instead of allowing greetings during walks, use the opportunity to strengthen your puppy’s focus on you. Reward calm behaviour and redirect their attention away from other dogs with treats, toys, or commands like “watch me.”
Puppy Classes
Enrol your pup in a well-run puppy class. These environments are supervised by professionals and allow for safe, structured interactions with other puppies. IMDT puppy classes for pups of Chorley Leyland and Wigan - Message for details - Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy!
Consent
When meeting other dogs, it’s polite to ask the owner for permission—but don’t forget to check with the dogs too! Dogs communicate through body language, and they can say "no" to interactions.
Signs a dog is uncomfortable include moving away, lip licking, yawning, showing the whites of their eyes (whale eye), a tucked tail, looking away, or lifting a paw. If you notice these, it’s best to skip or end the greeting.
Excited dogs pulling hard on the leash may also be too overstimulated for a calm hello, so consider moving on.
Remember, a wagging tail doesn’t always mean happiness. Tail height, speed, and overall body language tell the full story. Relaxed wagging often signals joy, but stiff posture, growling, or a hard stare can mean agitation or aggression. Always read the whole picture!
Key Tips for Positive Socialization
Learn to Read Dog Body Language: Understanding the signs of stress or discomfort in dogs will help you intervene before a situation escalates.
Teach Calm Approaches: Reward your puppy for staying calm around other dogs, even if they don’t get to say hello.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Not every dog needs to be your puppy’s best friend. Focus on a few positive interactions rather than frequent, unstructured greetings.
Final Thoughts
While it’s tempting to let your puppy greet every dog they see on a walk, doing so on a leash can lead to behavioural issues down the road. By focusing on structured, positive socialization experiences and teaching your pup to stay calm around other dogs, you’ll set them up for a lifetime of confidence and good manners.
Happy training!
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