Therapy dogs have to have passed a fairly rigorous test in order to get their certification and this means, among other things, they are social beings with a good sense of self. Still, the idea of meeting an unknown dog for the first time can be a bit worrisome if you don't know the signs of acceptance. One of the safest ways for two dogs to meet is in a neutral environment. This usually means that both are on lead with handlers who understand canine body language. It is important to allow only enough slack in the leash for the two dogs to get nose to nose.
Watch carefully. Are they actually willing to greet each other? If their tails are slowly wagging, their heads are held high and their ears erect with perhaps a bit of stiffness in the bodies, this usually indicates curiosity. Ideally, one of them will dip their front slightly and his tail will wag a bit harder, his ears will relax and he may even 'play bow.' This is an invitation for more personal inspection. He may lick the other dog's muzzle, drop his tail and expose his belly. This is a submissive invitation inviting closer and more personal investigation.
When this occurs you are probably okay to assume it is safe to allow closer scrutiny which includes sniffing the sides and rear by the less submissive dog. When both dogs 'play bow' it indicates friendliness and a willingness to play. I would think it is okay to have a loose lead or even to remove the leash if you are in a place where it is safe to do so.
Never allow your dog to rush up to a new dog and start sniffing at its sides or rear. Many dogs resent having their 'space' invaded by a stranger and will show teeth, growl or even snap if this happens. Any dog that takes a straight line directly toward another dog is challenging it. Watch for slight arcing on the approach as this indicates a dog with good manners who is politely asking to meet.
At the same time staring between two dogs is often considered not only bad manners but a challenge, as well. If one dog is looking in the general direction of the other or even has his head turned away and is looking from the corner of his eye it is much more polite.
Perhaps the easiest way to remember how to comfortably and properly introduce your dog is to ask yourself if you would like to have a stranger rush up to you, grab your hand and begin to talk into your face.
If your dog has a tendency to run at other dogs, stare, and hold his tail stiffly erect, keep him on his leash until you know the other dogs in the area accept his posture. These are indicators of a dominant dog and if there are others who feel dominant, too, it could lead to problems. One of my pet peeves is to be out walking with my dog on lead and meet someone whose dog rushes straight at mine with the other person saying, "Don't worry. He's friendly."
I have news for you; that is not the way to have two dogs meet. Very often aggression is escalated if a dog is on lead and is rushed by another dog. If your dog has a tendency to do this have control enough that, even if off lead, he will come to you when he is called. It is just good manners.
Everyone appreciates a little distance, a 'comfort zone' from others. Dogs appreciate the same consideration.
Watch carefully. Are they actually willing to greet each other? If their tails are slowly wagging, their heads are held high and their ears erect with perhaps a bit of stiffness in the bodies, this usually indicates curiosity. Ideally, one of them will dip their front slightly and his tail will wag a bit harder, his ears will relax and he may even 'play bow.' This is an invitation for more personal inspection. He may lick the other dog's muzzle, drop his tail and expose his belly. This is a submissive invitation inviting closer and more personal investigation.
When this occurs you are probably okay to assume it is safe to allow closer scrutiny which includes sniffing the sides and rear by the less submissive dog. When both dogs 'play bow' it indicates friendliness and a willingness to play. I would think it is okay to have a loose lead or even to remove the leash if you are in a place where it is safe to do so.
Never allow your dog to rush up to a new dog and start sniffing at its sides or rear. Many dogs resent having their 'space' invaded by a stranger and will show teeth, growl or even snap if this happens. Any dog that takes a straight line directly toward another dog is challenging it. Watch for slight arcing on the approach as this indicates a dog with good manners who is politely asking to meet.
At the same time staring between two dogs is often considered not only bad manners but a challenge, as well. If one dog is looking in the general direction of the other or even has his head turned away and is looking from the corner of his eye it is much more polite.
Perhaps the easiest way to remember how to comfortably and properly introduce your dog is to ask yourself if you would like to have a stranger rush up to you, grab your hand and begin to talk into your face.
If your dog has a tendency to run at other dogs, stare, and hold his tail stiffly erect, keep him on his leash until you know the other dogs in the area accept his posture. These are indicators of a dominant dog and if there are others who feel dominant, too, it could lead to problems. One of my pet peeves is to be out walking with my dog on lead and meet someone whose dog rushes straight at mine with the other person saying, "Don't worry. He's friendly."
I have news for you; that is not the way to have two dogs meet. Very often aggression is escalated if a dog is on lead and is rushed by another dog. If your dog has a tendency to do this have control enough that, even if off lead, he will come to you when he is called. It is just good manners.
Everyone appreciates a little distance, a 'comfort zone' from others. Dogs appreciate the same consideration.
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