Dog walking etiquette?

[Anonymous]

I'm a fairly new dog owner and we have a yard so we don't take regular walks. I was walking my dog over to the groomer's yesterday and I passed someone else with a dog. I shortened the leash so my dog couldn't get over to hers but as he pulled over towards her, I made eye contact to see if she wanted to stop and let them sniff each other. My dog was never close enough to reach her dog.

She said, "My dog's not friendly!" and I was like, "OK, have a nice day!" when I heard her mutter, "You could have ASKED" and I was like, huh? Is that a thing? I'm thinking back to all my interactions with other dog owners and obviously I know that some people have aggressive dogs, but you usually see those people cross the street when you're coming. I've had people ask if my dog was friendly, but I've also done the whole non-verbal thing where we make eye contact and smile while our dogs sniff butts. (I'm an introvert and not looking for reasons to chat with strangers.)

Anyway, I figured this was someone who found social interactions stressful and she wished she wouldn't have to be in the position to announce her dog isn't friendly all the time. But I thought I'd check in case I was missing something. Am I supposed to shout, "Is your dog friendly?" every time I see someone with a dog, even if I'm planning to walk right on by and keep my dog close? You would think it would be on the person with the problem dog to manage this? I could understand if my dog actually got close to hers, but he didn't, so she may have been having a case of the Mondays, lol.

[Anonymous]

You were fine and you did the right thing. Sounds like that dog owner is a little unhinged and also, unfriendly.

[Anonymous]

I have an unfriendly dog and I think you did the right thing. Not sure what that lady's issue was.

FWIW, I receive a lot of negative reactions when I say my dog is not friendly - like it's a rude thing to say. So sometimes you can't win.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You were fine and you did the right thing. Sounds like that dog owner is a little unhinged and also, unfriendly.

She is not unhinged or unfriendly because her dog doesn't like other dogs. She probably is afraid that her dog could hurt op's dog.

To the op
Since you paused than the woman thought you were coming over to greet. Generally it is not great for strange dogs to meet on leash. For future yimes just assume people do not want you to greet their dog.

[Anonymous]

Congrats on the dog!

A few tips as you get the hang of dog ownership: Even if you have a yard, it's good to take your dog for walks so the two of you get the hang of heeling/enforcing heeling, your dog gets new smells, and you learn how your dog reacts to other dogs.

When you're approaching a new dog, always ask: "Can s/he say hello?" If the other person and dog have already crossed into the street, you don't need to ask because you already have your answer.

Stick close even if you've been given the OK to say hello. Sometimes dogs change their mind, and you want to be able to make a quick, tidy exit.

Also, to ensure a quick, tidy exit, make sure the dogs are at the ends of their leashes when they say hello. Given some slack, a lot of dogs will get their leashes tangled together. A lot of owners will act as though there's nothing that can be done about it, and then there's a whole Three Stooges routine as they try to get the leashes untwisted.

[Anonymous]

This is why people should walk their dogs on the right, so humans are always a buffer. Whether it's a buffer to other dogs or people passing you or going in the opposite direction.

It makes zero sense to walk your dog on the left, unless you live in England.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You were fine and you did the right thing. Sounds like that dog owner is a little unhinged and also, unfriendly.

She is not unhinged or unfriendly because her dog doesn't like other dogs. She probably is afraid that her dog could hurt op's dog.

To the op
Since you paused than the woman thought you were coming over to greet. Generally it is not great for strange dogs to meet on leash. For future yimes just assume people do not want you to greet their dog.

Talking to "herself" loud enough for OP to hear her criticism is what makes her unhinged. What a *****. Guess what, they own dogs, too. Dealing with dog owners is just another slice of life.

[Anonymous]

You should take your dog for a walk every day. Backyard is not adequate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is why people should walk their dogs on the right, so humans are always a buffer. Whether it's a buffer to other dogs or people passing you or going in the opposite direction.

It makes zero sense to walk your dog on the left, unless you live in England.

Dog on the left on the parking strip, human on the left side of the sidewalk

Voila, buffer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You were fine and you did the right thing. Sounds like that dog owner is a little unhinged and also, unfriendly.

She is not unhinged or unfriendly because her dog doesn't like other dogs. She probably is afraid that her dog could hurt op's dog.

To the op
Since you paused than the woman thought you were coming over to greet. Generally it is not great for strange dogs to meet on leash. For future yimes just assume people do not want you to greet their dog.

correct, she is unhinged and unfriendly because of how she behaved! Well done on your reading comprehension. Not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is why people should walk their dogs on the right, so humans are always a buffer. Whether it's a buffer to other dogs or people passing you or going in the opposite direction.

It makes zero sense to walk your dog on the left, unless you live in England.

You need to take a break. I've seen you write this on many pet related threads. You're a bore. No one cares.

[Anonymous]

It is common dog walking etiquette, as you approach another dog, to ask if it's okay for your dog say "hello". Other dog owner can say yes, or many will say, My dog isn't friendly, then you definitely shorten your leash and keep going, keeping your dog away.

Don't ever let your dog approach another without getting permission. Plenty of dogs look friendly and can act friendly until another dog gets in their face.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is why people should walk their dogs on the right, so humans are always a buffer. Whether it's a buffer to other dogs or people passing you or going in the opposite direction.

It makes zero sense to walk your dog on the left, unless you live in England.

You need to take a break. I've seen you write this on many pet related threads. You're a bore. No one cares.

DP, and I've never seen this info before posted here, but they are not incorrect. There is pretty well established dog walking etiquette to prevent issues. I walk my well-trained dog mornings and night in a complex, and it is amazing how many people have very little control over their dogs. There's also a bunch of great, friendly dogs that aren't trained, but super sweet. Many times you don't know the difference when you're approaching.

[Anonymous]

Dogs take after their owners. You’re fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is why people should walk their dogs on the right, so humans are always a buffer. Whether it's a buffer to other dogs or people passing you or going in the opposite direction.

It makes zero sense to walk your dog on the left, unless you live in England.

Dog on the left on the parking strip, human on the left side of the sidewalk

Voila, buffer.

In the UK? Yes. In the US? No, you stay to the right and keep your dog on your right. It's common sense.