A Short Guide to Dog Walking Etiquette- for friendly and reactive dog owners
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
If you walk a reactive dog, you know the drill: spot a dog in the distance, heart rate spikes, start scanning for an exit. Most other owners actually want to help they just need a clear, friendly ask, well most of the time. And those with friendly dogs, here’s how you can also help out.
Phrases That Work - always try to direct
• Sorry, my dog needs space — I need to go the other way? Direct and non-judgmental.
• We are in training; can we pass at a distance? States a plan without inviting debate.
• Mines reactive, we need a bit of room.” Educates without alarming.
• Could you call your dog back? Mine is having some health issues/recovering and needs space. * As a side note many reactive dogs have underlying pain, gut or skin problems, possibly undiagnosed.
Always end with, thank you for understanding, never skip this, it makes the next ask easier for everyone.
And of those with friendly dogs, how you can really help
Here's the part that surprises people: a friendly dog can still terrify a reactive one. Reactivity is about fear or overstimulation, not the other dog's intentions. A big, happy dog bounding over fast looks exactly the same as a threat from the other end of the lead.
If your dog is the easy-going type, you're in a great position to help:
• Watch dogs on leads, yellow leads, lettering on leads or harnesses and muzzles.
• Watch for owner behaviour are they scanning, trying to get your attention or quickly changing direction.
• Dog body language freezing, or stiff body language staring towards you or your dog.
• Don't take 'please keep away' personally, it's not a comment on your dog’s personality, looks or behaviour- ever!
Being that person costs nothing and can prevent a real scare, or worse, for both dogs and in fact it will really make that owners day, and knowing you have given yours and that dog the best walk possible by giving them some space.
Be Present, Not Distracted
None of this works if nobody's looking up. Phones and podcasts on walks mean missed body language, missed shouted requests, and missed moments to step aside before things escalate.
A walk is uninterrupted time with your dog, and they are reading you constantly, whether you have a reactive or friendly dog. Put the phone away, by being more engaging will create a better bond and not only help you gain some fresh air and mindful moments but add to other people’s experience of walking safely too.
