By Fran Jewell
“He’s friendly!” or “He’s only a puppy!” are common chants among those who do not seem to recognize that their dog is about to offend another dog. When a dog or puppy runs up to another dog quickly, then jumps on the other dog, that dog is an obnoxious greeter without greeting manners. Those chants are excuses for lack of training. Even a young puppy can learn to greet other dogs nicely.
All dogs have the need for personal space, just like people do. Some need more space than others. That need can be driven by breed or the individual dog. Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers often have no concern at all for anyone’s personal space, dog or human. On the other hand, many of the herding breeds DO have concern, especially border collies and German shepherds. When the two breeds collide, it can cause a conflict, sometime more severe than others. When a Labrador invades the personal space of another dog by jumping up in the dog’s face or putting his head over another dog’s shoulder, the other dog may respond with a growl or snap, or worse. Most of the time, we humans then blame the growler and call them aggressive when, in fact, the invader was NOT being friendly but is an obnoxious greeter.
Put yourself in their paws. If you were sitting on a park bench and some stranger came along, sat right next to you, touching you, then put his/her arm around you or on your leg, you would be offended. How would you react? Do you allow it or do you respond in a negative manner?
We all, including our dogs, have a right to personal space. This becomes especially important when an adult obnoxious greeter offends a shy puppy, pushing that puppy to defend itself with a bite or nip. That now sets the puppy up for behaving like that the rest of its life when it is offended by other dogs. It may even be difficult for that puppy to have happy relationships with other dogs forever.
If you have an obnoxious greeter, it is extremely important that you do not accept this behavior as acceptable, “friendly” or just saying “hello,” especially with young puppies. It is not any dog’s right to greet in this manner. Teaching your dog to wait, ESPECIALLY as a puppy, for permission from you to greet another dog, is imperative. Ask another dog’s owner if the greeting is okay. Stop the interaction if your dog becomes too pushy with another dog, or if you see the other dog is afraid, showing hackles, dipping its head, mouth closed or tail tucked. Your dog’s behavior in public is your responsibility. Be respectful and courteous.
Fran Jewell is an IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, NADOI Certified Instructor and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC in Sun Valley. For more information, visit positivepuppy.com or call 208-578-1565.