I usually cross to the other side of the street. My dogs are friendly, but sometimes the chemistry between strange dogs just doesn't work. Better safe than sorry!
Look at the body language. There is always a great deal of stress involved in new meetings. Lip lifting and growling is NOT a normal part of canine greeting. Sniffing is. There are some dogs that just don't play well with others, I deal frequently the results of people thinking their dogs should play with every other dog they see.
We should know our own dogs and being antisocial with other dogs isn't a reason not to bring them camping.
As many have said, if your dog doesn't play well with others, take precautions.
Others, be aware that not all dogs or owners want to socialize.
Doug, DVM
Doug & Sandy
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We foster dogs from an organization in NJ called OSCAR and have two medium sized dogs of our own. Some dogs get along with other dogs and others don't. A dog can sense the owners vibes toward another, and if the vibes are negative, so will the dogs be. If you are hesitant of your dog greeting another, just say to the person is he/she friendly or my dog does not get along with other dogs and you will have solved the problem of the meeting. We just adopted one of our fosters and he is 10 lbs to the other dogs 30 lbs. No problem. A small dog thinks he is bigger than your biggest dog. Size does not matter. If you don't believe me just look at all the mixtures out there from non-neutered pets.
MainerBob wrote: I totally agree with KrisNKallen. We travel with a standard poodle who is our "social Ambassador." She loves everyone and everyone seems to love her, including other dogs. We've found it's a great way to meet others. We also seek out dog parks where dogs run free and have natural interactions with other dogs. Dogs need to be socialized to other dogs to be safe in public, no matter how much you feel you have them under control.
A good way to introduce dogs on lead is to walk them in parallel a few times, getting closer and closer until they are close enough to smell and greet each other. Also, dogs are really good at reading human body language. If you're really nervous, they will be too. The vibes travel right up the lead.
My Collies are very social they like people and dogs. I have a lot of kids run up and want to hug them (after parents ask if it's ok).
KrisNKallen wrote: I'm not judging here, just trying to understand. Why don't you want your dog to greet others? Wouldn't you enjoy having your dog tolerate or even enjoy being with other dogs? A little growling and lip lifting is part of normal dog greeting and friendship making? If you have a dog that simply hates other dogs and is vicious about it (I had one like that - loved people, hated other dogs), why bring them to places where other, sociable dogs are out for a meet and greet? I've seen lots of people who refuse to let their dogs have anything to do with other dogs, but in fact most of those dogs would LOVE to at least sniff each other in greeting. It is usually the owner's nervousness around the situation that makes their dog get tense.
It has nothing to do with not wanting my dog to greet others and everything to do with knowing my dog. My dog is 15 years old and, when wet, 12 lbs. She has been rolled by strange dogs in the past and doesn't forget it. When a dog twice her size (which is very easy to find) comes bounding up to her, with owners screetching about "what a cute puppy!" she gets upset and on the defensive. She doesn't LOVE other dogs to sniff her. As far as she is concerned, she isn't even a dog - her pack is human. My husband is a canine handler and we have both owned dogs for 30+ years each. Other dogs we have had were no problem with strange dogs; this one does have a problem. Understand that if an owner doesn't want other dogs near theirs, there might be a reason you just don't understand.
I don't go camping for a 'meet and greet.' If I wanted my dog to 'meet and greet' I would take her to a dog park. Our dog goes camping and hiking with us because she is a member of the family and we treat her as such. Just as I wouldn't expect my child (or myself or DH for that matter) to tolerate strangers touching them or sniffing them, I don't expect my dog to either.
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KrisNKallen wrote: I'm not judging here, just trying to understand. Why don't you want your dog to greet others? Wouldn't you enjoy having your dog tolerate or even enjoy being with other dogs? A little growling and lip lifting is part of normal dog greeting and friendship making? If you have a dog that simply hates other dogs and is vicious about it (I had one like that - loved people, hated other dogs), why bring them to places where other, sociable dogs are out for a meet and greet? I've seen lots of people who refuse to let their dogs have anything to do with other dogs, but in fact most of those dogs would LOVE to at least sniff each other in greeting. It is usually the owner's nervousness around the situation that makes their dog get tense.
OP didn't state they were at a place where other owners/dogs were socializing. Could have been they were just walking down the street, not at a dog park. Are they required to let anyone/everyone on the street meet them and their dog? No.
Do they know the other dog has all it's shots, doesn't have kennel cough or some other contagion? No.
If I want my dogs to meet your dog, I'll ask. I expect you to do the same or I'll tell you, as politely as I can, to leave us alone.
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KrisNKallen wrote: I'm not judging here, just trying to understand. Why don't you want your dog to greet others? Wouldn't you enjoy having your dog tolerate or even enjoy being with other dogs?
You have no idea what the "story" of the dog is. He could be..
-sick
-recovering from a dog attack
-in training
-a service dog
-have "space" issues related to his past
-have epilepsy
-be blind, or deaf
-have an owner that wants to be left alone
Quote: A little growling and lip lifting is part of normal dog greeting and friendship making?
When we walk our dog at the campground, our dog will look forward to saying hi to other dogs. We will always talk to the oncoming leash holder and find out the situation prior to contact. Easy decisions as we go through life.
DH does the dog walking and meeting/greeting. It isn't a problem. He keeps a tight hold on the leash and the other person does the same thing..until the two dogs decide they aren't going to get huffy with each other. Some do and that ends the meeting.
But with kids who want to pet the dog, DH is careful to warn them off with "I don't know. He might bite you." (and he might, who knows? dogs are unpredictable on some issues) Same with an adult who wants to touch.
TexasShadow
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Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.
RoadXYZ wrote: How do people handle this ? without getting angry ?
A simple, polite request along the lines of "Please don't come too close, my dog doesn't like other dogs" (or has an injury or is old and frail or whatever) has never failed to work for me in well over thirty years of dog ownership.
Me and the DH
Two boys and two dogs (and two cats who prefer to stay home)
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