Quote:
Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985  I think you're being smart, but don't pull him back. Teach him to approach dogs nicely without pulling towards them. Easier said then done. Mine LOVES to say "hi" to every dog he meets. I allow it, as long as he approaches the other dogs in a calm fashion. An overexcited small dog, could be hurt when a big dog gets excited as well. It happens, and Kaji has met some very, VERY large breeds. Most people understand if you simply reply, "I want him to learn how to approach calmly." |
This.
Also, sometimes puppies can benefit from being corrected in a nice way. But not on leash... leashes often cause tension and I don't really like puppies meeting other dogs on leash, unless they are puppies themselves, etc. It spells disaster for me.
I see so many people come into the dog park and keep their dog on a leash and it just makes things worse. The dog on leash feels vulnerable, the other dogs look at it as weaker than they are, the leash gets all tangled from the pup on leash doing circles not knowing what to do, etc. The same thing happens when people pick up their dogs -- however, with that said, if a dog is in harms way, of course picking it up is okay. It's just something that, in general, I'd advise against unless necessary.
Basically, just learn doggy body language. I can tell when a dog is focused in on mine, or doesn't really seem friendly, or is lunging, etc, and I won't let them meet. Jackson had to learn that he does not have to meet every single dog we walk by and he's fine with it. He can easily walk right by a barking, lunging, uncontrollable dog and be fine. But I've seen owners who clearly have no control of their dogs saying "Oh, he's so friendly!" but I will just politely walk by lol.