Greets on the Street

As a dog owner or a dog walker, one of the problems you encounter over and over is the “greet on the street.” There are times when you are happy to encounter another dog and its owner during your walk; times when you’d rather not, but you do anyway because you love your dog; and times when it’s just a really, really bad moment, no matter how you look at it.

Having a dog in the city creates so many wonderful opportunities. One goes from being an anonymous urbanite to “that guy with the dog.” You unexpectedly become a member of a community you didn’t know existed; many new, wonderful friendships are made; and, occasionally, even romance blooms. Some folks have been known to get dogs in part (hopefully, only “in part”) to enter this exciting dating pool. What better way is there to find a compassionate guy?

However, not everyone who owns a dog is interested expanding their social horizons. And embarrassingly, there are those out there who have never considered this possibility. Some dog owners are a little too enthusiastic about making new friends, either for themselves or their dogs. That said, here’s a list of “Do’s” and “Don’ts” one should seriously consider when encountering canines and their companions out on the street:

1. Do Not ever approach another dog from behind when the owner or the dog is unaware. Ever. You run the risk of startling dog, owner or both. Mayhem might very well ensue.

2. Do get some sign of acknowledgment from the dog handler that approaching their dog is okay. This is one of the biggest areas of misunderstanding. Just because someone is walking their dog in an calm orderly manner, doesn’t mean that dog is approachable. You cannot possibly know if the dog you’re approaching is sick or aggressive, and you don’t want to find out either after it’s too late. There is also the possibility that the dog handler is sick, aggressive, indisposed (i.e. on the phone, trying to memorize lyrical poetry, daydreaming about lunch), or simply uninterested in interaction. It’s okay if they can’t interact with you. It’s not okay for you to not respect that. A simple question (“Is it okay for us to approach?”) or even an inquisitive look should suffice. It’s then the other party’s responsibility to say, “now’s not really a good time,” if that’s the case.

3. Do Not, not even for a second, think that because someone has a pack of dogs it’s okay to barge into their pack with your dog. Even though dog walkers, or owners of multiple dogs, often look cool, calm and in control while walking their brood, they’ve usually got it just barely under control. The sudden introduction of your excited, energized dog will cause their dogs to be come excited and energized. It may very well also cause their handler’s arm to become separated from his shoulder. If he gets really angry with you because of this, you’ve probably earned it.

4. Do Not allow your pooch to approach another in mid-poop. For dog’s sake, it’s just rude! I am not one to normally ascribe human emotions to animals, but in this case you can practically feel your dog’s mortification when another dog comes nosing around in mid-squat. It’s really gross and potentially unhealthy, as well.

5. Do Not presume that all dogs walking down the sidewalk are going to behave properly, even if you’re not interested in interacting with them. Take a look at the dog, the owner. Read body language. If the approaching dog is in a state of agitation or excessive excitement, do your best to figure out which one of you is going to cross the street. A quick glance in the eyes of the approaching handler should help figure it out. If you see nothing, then cross the street or go around a parked car. There’s simply no point in allowing a confrontation to occur, no matter who’s right or who’s wrong.

6. Do Not monopolize the entire sidewalk while your dog and his newly greeted friend are getting to know each other on the street. There are still non-dog owners using the sidewalk, and they’re probably not crazy about your dogs. Move off to the side of the sidewalk and let people pass.

7. Do Not allow your dog to rush ahead of you to greet another dog unless both handlers and dogs are the best of friends. When a dog body meets a dog body coming through the rye, it should not take place like two wrestlers rushing to the middle of the ring. When your dog is out in front of you, you have very little control over it. It is also representing itself as the leader of your pack. Another dog might take this as a challenge and chaos might ensue. Approach another dog in the same manner in which you walk your dog: calmly, and by your side. Once the dogs are comfortably acquainted, let the sniffing, playing and wrestling begin!
   

Now get out there and meet some new dogs and new dog owners! Don’t forget your cell phone so you can trap those digits, you dog (owner) you!