doggy ettiquette?

Question

I have two dogs and don't take them out much (my husband usually does) - when I took them to the local park the other day they ran up to this other dog and owner and did the usual sniffing etc. The owner took exception to this and said he was going to start kicking my dogs if I didn't take control of them as his dog was a bit old and nervous. I told him I was in control of them and not to bother kicking them. Is it not doggy ettiquette to let your dogs interact with others?

Answer 1

Well, this is what dogs do. The owner was perhaps a little overprotective, but older dogs do get nervous around younger dogs. They realize the younger dogs might want to play & they really can't or don't feel like it. When you factor in more than one dog it would make for double the apprehension on the older dogs part. You can usually tell if another dog is feeling insecure so I would make sure my dogs back off even tho they just want to be friendly.

Older dogs, too, are typically grumpy & some dogs - even older ones - are aggressive. A harmless move on your dogs part might end in a snarling match. Pick & choose your dogs friends whenever you can & try to steer clear of this equally grumpy & aggressive owner. : )

Answer 2

Were you at a regular park or a dog park? It makes a difference.
First of all, dogs smell each other b/c that's how they identify one another. There is nothing aggressive about sniffing. However, you should never let your dog approach another dog without asking their owner if it is okay or if their dog is friendly. Dogs on leash are often more defensive when they are pproached b/c they know they are restricted Having said all of that, while the owner was in the right to ask you to pull back your dog, threatening the dog was inappropriate.
Now, if you were at a dog park it is a totally different issue. Dogs are off leash (or should be for the above reason about being more defensive on leash) and are naturally going to run up and smell each other (as well as people). I am always surprised (although it seems to happen pretty often) when I find a dog owner who doesn't want other dogs to approach his dog in a dog park. It doesn't make a lot of sense. But even in a dog park you have to try to respect the various degrees of socilization of the dogs. A dog that is just getting used to the park shouldn't have to be surrounded or ganged up on. Owners should still be paying attention to their dogs and making sure they are "behaving".

Answer 3

It's important to see how the other dog reacts to the presence of yours. If it seems interested in them then by all means let them meet each other but keep and eye on it. If the other dogs not too interested, for whatever reason, it could upset it if your dogs are adamant on playing when he's not, so it's best to get them out of there.

Let your dogs approach others, but if the other one doesn't respond to their presence, call them away. If nothing else it saves you being moaned at by stroppy dog owners, but he may well be right. When my dog got old she didn't want to be bothered by other dogs, just have a little plod about in the park sniffing things that got her interest, and if a younger more energetic dog started bouncing round in front of her it did upset her quite a bit

Answer 4

If you are in a off leash Dog Park then "No" it's fine but if you are out at a regular park you should ask from afar if it is ok to introduce your animals. It's great that you have dogs that are friendly but not sometimes other pets may perceive this as a threat . There are many great off leash dogs parks that you can take your dogs to. These parks generally are filled with other fun loving dogs that don't mind a sniff or two. Have a howlin' good time. haha

Answer 5

If his dog was on a leash then he might have an issue. But if it's in a park where dogs are generally free to run, he's probably better off taking his dog elsewhere.

His dog may have a problem with other dogs, you don't know about. But if he's kicking any dogs, maybe he needs to be put on a leash.

Answer 6

You don't know if the other dog is healthy (had his shots etc.), and you don't know if the other dog is aggressive either. While the other owner was foolish for saying that he would kick your dogs, he was trying to protect his own dog (as you should too). We all want our dogs to interact with others, but we have to apply some common sense to make sure that it's done responsibly and safely.

Answer 7

It depends - usually this is acceptable, but in the case of an obviously nervous animal, it is appreciated by owners if you keep your dog(s) on a lead or at a distance. This owner's response does seem a bit OTT, but maybe he's had a bad experience and is particularly anxious - my dog was attacked and badly injured by two others when out for a walk, and this has made me worry when other dogs come running up.

Answer 8

It is not correct dog ettiquette to allow your dog to approach another without being on a lead, regardless of your dogs temperament. Your dog may be friendly but how do you know if the other dog is. I have to say that in the same situation I would react in a negative way also. I certainly wouldn't dream of kicking your dogs, as it is not their fault that their owner is so thoughtless.

Answer 9

It's always a good idea to check with the owner first to see if their dog can interact with your dogs. Some dogs do not socialize well with other dogs and may attack or something else.

Answer 10

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