Editor’s note: Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? This article appeared in our June/July issue, and we’re thrilled to have Victoria Stilwell as a contributor. Subscribe to Dogster and get the bimonthly magazine delivered to your home. Read an interview with Stilwell on Dogster.
What a luxury it would be for some pet parents if their dogs politely greeted each other by shaking paws and exchanging stories of their favorite smells. In reality, however, dog-to-dog greetings are rarely that smooth. They tend to be excitable or cautious affairs where vocal and physical language is quickly read, risk is assessed, and confidence is tested.
Two dogs meeting by Shutterstock.
Positive greeting behavior depends on many factors, including sociability, past experience, and desire for personal interaction. The best way to ensure that your dog is a confident greeter is to provide her with a good social foundation as well as positive greeting experiences with other well-mannered dogs.
Dogs who lunge, whine, or bark when they pass other dogs on leash usually fall into one of two categories: anxious and uncomfortable, or frustrated and overexcited. This can pose a challenge while walking outdoors, particularly if you have to fight to keep your dog contained. The following tips will help bring calm to the chaos.
German Shepherd with ball in his mouth by Shutterstock.
If you want to bring another dog indoors, allow the initial greeting to take place on neutral ground outside first, if possible. If this is not an option, these techniques can minimize the chance of a negative reaction.
Dog food bowl by Shutterstock.
If your dog is meeting a new cat for the first time, bring the cat in a carrier so your dog can smell him and the cat feels secure.
Cat and dog by Shutterstock.
If your dog shows any aggressive behavior at any point in the training, contact a qualified positive trainer to help.
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About the author: Victoria Stilwell is a world-renowned dog trainer, TV personality, author, and public speaker best known as the star of the international hit TV series It’s Me or the Dog, through which she reaches audiences in more than 100 countries. Appearing frequently in the worldwide media, Stilwell is widely recognized as a leader in the field of animal behavior, and is the editor-in-chief of Positively.com and the CEO of Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training, the world’s premier global network of positive reinforcement dog trainers. Connect with her on Facebook and on Twitter.
Victoria Stilwell | Oct 13th 2015