When we are out for a walk at the park on a beautiful day, we are likely to see a few other dog owners with the same idea. People love to talk about their dogs and may head right over for their dog to meet yours. I discourage this for multiple reasons. It is up to the owner to know their dog and to keep him safe. When dogs are loose, they do not rush head on to meet the new dog. They approach at an angle and circle around for a rear sniff. Approaching straight on whether from people or dogs can make a dog aroused or fearful. Also, your dog is on leash so cannot retreat or escape should he choose, so he may be forced to assert himself. If the two new dogs get their leashes entangled, panic and aggression could ensue. Dogs can be protective of their owners and do not take kindly to a straight on rush from a strange dog and person approaching them. Commanding your dog to sit or lie down is ill-advised as that puts them in a vulnerable position to the approaching dog. Even worse if the approaching dog is not leashed. First, I take my leashed dog out at a time and place that I am less likely to come across other dogs. Should I see one in the distance, I move away in a different direction. If pressed, I tell the other dog owner that this is a training walk, not for socializing at this time, then walk away, making sure the dogs do not get close enough to lunge or touch noses. Just assume that the person does not have their dog under their full control. If you want your dog to socialize and meet new dogs, do so in a controlled environment like a training class or a doggie day care. You may see the same person with their dog on several trips to the park, so you might be walking closer than by a totally strange dog, but still not in forced into head-on or nose toughing distance. Stand up and be a voice to protect your dog and say no when someone with a dog approaches.
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