Hello There! Why On-Leash Dog Greetings Can Lead to Trouble – And What To Do Instead
One of the biggest reasons dogs get anxious when meeting unknown dogs is the pesky leash. photo: AdobeStock
When it comes to dog greetings, on-leash meetups can cause unnecessary stress and lead to unwanted behaviors. Many dog guardians see no issue with letting their dogs greet on leash, but most professional trainers advise against it. Let’s break down why on-leash greetings aren't the best idea and how to keep things chill and positive for everyone.
There are many reasons for greeting anxiety in dogs, but restraint is at the top of the list. The leash itself is one of the biggest reasons dogs get anxious when meeting unknown dogs. Leashes limit a dog’s ability to move naturally and unconstrained, which can lead to stress and anxiety.
When dogs greet off-leash, they usually circle, sniffing and checking each other out in their own time. There is often a lot of movement as they move in, back off, curve around, and position themselves for better sniffing angles. Meeting head-on is unnatural and can be a provocation.
Leashes interfere with this natural canine behavior. Off-leash, your dog can decide if they want to say hi or just move on. A leashed dog can feel stuck in an interaction they didn’t choose. If they can’t exercise their "flight" option by moving away, they’re left with "fight" behaviors like barking or growling to make the other dog leave.
When you force a dog into an uncomfortable situation, especially with a tight leash, it amplifies their stress and makes it harder for them to communicate through body language. That’s when you see lunging, barking, or even snapping.
A tight leash doesn’t allow your dog to back off if they’re unsure.
If you encounter another leashed dog on your walk, instead of pulling the leash tight, try to keep it loose. A slack leash lets your dog move more naturally and communicate better. In addition, many dog owners tighten up on the leash when another dog approaches, inadvertently signaling to their dog that there may be a threat approaching. When you’re nervous, your dog gets nervous.
Barrier Frustration in Dogs
Barrier frustration in dogs occurs when a physical barrier, such as a leash, fence, or window, prevents them from reaching something they’re interested in. This restriction can lead to heightened arousal, stress, or frustration and result in growling, barking, lunging, or snapping. Often, once the barrier is removed, the dog's behavior returns to normal. This is why some dogs can be playful and relaxed at the dog park but turn into snarling monsters when walking on leash. (watch this 30-second video that shows how a barrier can heighten conflict between dogs).
Many dog owners try to socialize their puppies by having them meet as many dogs as possible. But this can backfire. When dogs learn that every dog encounter means excitement, they expect every dog to be a potential playmate. If they don’t get to greet them, they become frustrated, leading to behaviors like whining, barking, or pulling on the leash.
The goal is to teach your dog that seeing another dog is no big deal and that they do not get to meet every dog they encounter on walks. If you are struggling with a hyper-social dog who insists on saying hello to every dog, consider reaching out to a force-free behavior consultant who can help your dog learn to ignore dogs they cannot meet.
Safe Ways to Greet Other Dogs
A parallel walk is a great way to safely introduce two unfamiliar dogs. Instead of having the dogs meet head-on, which can be stressful, walk both dogs side by side at a comfortable distance. This allows them to get used to each other’s presence without the pressure of a direct greeting. As they walk, gradually close the gap if both dogs seem relaxed and calm. Eventually, if everyone is calm and shows good body language, they can have brief, supervised greetings or continue walking together.
If the side-by-side approach or off-leash greetings are not options, here are some tips on creating safe, controlled introductions:
Keep it short and sweet. If you encounter another dog on a leash, let the dogs sniff noses for a count of three and then move on. Say a quick and happy “let’s go” as you leave and give your dog a treat afterward to make a positive association with walking away.
Choose in advance which dogs you will be greeting up close. Begin with dogs of similar size, mellow dogs, and dogs that pose no threat.
Put it on cue. Teach your dog that they may greet another dog after you give permission ( "Go say hi"). If you don’t want your pup to greet another dog, use “Let’s go” and a treat as an additional cue that means no interaction will occur.
Resist tightening up on the leash when greeting another dog, which will create further tension and frustration.
Teach your dog to approach new dogs steadily and slowly before they begin engaging in the sniffing protocol.
If it is a good match and both dogs want to play, drop the leash and give some room, but continue monitoring to ensure neither dog gets overstimulated (watch this consent test video). Obviously, only drop the leash in a safe place for play–never on a busy street.
Be prepared to step on and grab the dragging leash if the play gets too rough or the dogs need a break.
Using a long lead (12’-15’) is an excellent way to begin practicing controlled greetings. A long lead provides safety on your end and as long as the lead is slack, your dog can circle, avoid, or back off if they need more space.
Pay Attention to Body Language
People often ask the other dog owner if greeting or petting their dog is okay, which, of course, is the polite thing to do. But we can and should also ask for the dogs' consent. Yes, dogs can give consent! Dogs communicate with us and with each other all the time, but instead of using words, they use body language. Both dogs should be allowed to say no to a greeting, and the way they say no is with their body language.
Dogs have their own ways of telling us they’re stressed or uncomfortable. Watch for signs like moving away, lip licking, yawning, whale eye (showing the whites of their eyes), a tucked tail, lifting one paw, looking away, or averting their gaze. These are all ways dogs signal they're not feeling great about the situation. If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to avoid or wrap up the interaction.
Also, if your dog is pulling hard on the leash to get to another dog, they may be too aroused for a calm greeting. Consider moving on without saying hi.
It’s not uncommon to hear people say, “Their tail is wagging; they must be happy.” A wagging tail conveys emotion, but it does not always mean happiness. Tail wagging is a complex form of communication in dogs, with tail carriage (how high the tail is), speed (how fast the tail is wagging), and other body language offering clues to their emotions. A high, stiff tail often signals confidence, while a low or tucked tail shows fear or submission. Fast wagging with a relaxed body generally indicates happiness, but it could mean agitation or aggression if paired with stiffness, a hard stare, ears back, a tight mouth, furrowed brow, or growling.
Do Not Allow Your Unleashed Dog to Approach a Leashed Dog
It’s never okay to let your unleashed dog approach and interact with a leashed dog, no matter how friendly your dog is. That other dog might be uncomfortable, recovering from surgery, or just not in the mood for socializing. When an off-leash dog approaches an on-leash dog, the on-leash dog is already backed into a corner. When your own dog is on a leash, maintain space between your dog and passing dogs even if it means stepping off the path or sidewalk.
At the end of the day, dog greetings should be chill for everyone involved, both dogs and humans. Just because your dog is generally friendly doesn’t mean every encounter will be a good fit, especially on a leash. Giving dogs space and freedom of movement, respecting their body language, and knowing when to skip the greeting can make all the difference. When in doubt, a relaxed walk beats a stressful encounter every time.