Well, if you don't want it to happen,tell them as they approach. Are you afraid of what one of the dogs will do? Both dogs on leash? I always ask before I get close with our dog , then respect what owner says..
Honestly, I handle it by walking my dogs around John Q Public as little as possible.
But, when we must, if I see a dog approaching who is not under control of its owner, or whose body language says they are coming in to my dog, I simply place myself in their direct path and tell the owner to give us space.
Samantha (the poster)
Tim, spouse and driver of the Corgi-Bus
Buddy, Diva, and Pippin - Pembroke Welsh Corgis
I would pick my 9 lb dog up. However, I think it is okay to say "Don't come close!, My dog has fleas!" or some other contagion. It would take too long to explain what a stupid idea it is for 2 strange dogs to 'meet' nose to nose.
We usually do our best to avoid walking near other people with dogs. When it's unavoidable, I'll hold my dog back, saying he's a little overprotective and doesn't do well with other dogs. That's been all I've had to say so far.
We had another dog that was very shy around other dogs & people. That's all we had to say, and people understood.
We have that happen all the time because our "dog is so cute!"
She is a Jack Russell and chihuahua mix. If it isn't the owners wanting our dogs to meet, it's the random people who think nothing of walking up to a strange dog and getting in its face. Our dog, while mellowing with age, still doesn't tolerate strange dogs or people within inches of her head, especially because they are usually bigger than her.
When we see them approaching (you can usually tell in advance) we start to move to one side and shorten our dog's lead. If that isn't a clue, we start saying, "Be nice!" That will get most of owners and parents to pull their dogs and children away. If they still insist, we will pick her up and move quickly away. People may think we are rude, but we know our dog way better than they do.
2008 Ford F250 diesel
2013 Keystone Sprinter 277RLS
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.
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.
1991 Avion 30' Fiver, not silver
2006 Silvarado 2500HD Duramax, SRW, CC, Short Bed, 4x4
16K Draw-Tite Slider
Bikes on the back
Standard Poodle inside
We have a dog that will not tolerate other dogs. I trust her completely around people in any situation, but she seemed to have had an experience as a young puppy that turned her into a monster around other dogs. We've worked hard at it, but havn't resolved it. She's socialized often with people and loves being with them.
Why would we bring her to a campground? because she's part of our family and we want to share it with her. And, she would LOVE it. We would be as respectful as we can realistically be. If there are other dogs around, we'll position her where she can't see them and we wouldn't walk her around to cause a scene. If in a campground with no dog neighbors, we'd be more "public" with her.
I think in most cases, people aren't generally offended by what others are doing, as long as they handle it with respect. It's the folks that make no attempt to be neighborly that get under our skin.
MainerBob has it right. Walk them in the same directin, and bring them closer; however, when they meet head on while on a leash they seem to be a lot more aggressive.
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