What Should I Do If Another Dog Runs Up To My Dog?
Joanne Smith 
What Should I Do If Another Dog Runs Up To My Dog?
"Don't worry... he's friendly!"
If I had a pound for every time I've heard those words, I'd probably have retired by now.
For some owners, they're reassuring.
For others, they're the words they've been dreading all day.
Perhaps your dog is nervous around other dogs.
Maybe they're over-excited and desperate to say hello.
Perhaps they're reactive and already finding the walk challenging.
Or maybe you're simply worried that the situation could get out of hand.
Whatever the reason, having an unfamiliar dog run towards you can be one of the most stressful moments of any walk.
The good news?
While you can't control what the other dog does, you can influence what happens next.
First things first... don't panic.
That's easier said than done, I know.
Your heart rate goes up.
Your dog senses something is happening.
Everything suddenly feels rushed.
The temptation is to tighten the lead, start talking quickly, or hurry your dog away.
Sometimes that's exactly the right thing to do.
Sometimes it isn't.
The important thing is understanding why you're making that decision rather than simply reacting in the moment.
Every situation is different.
This is one of the biggest myths in dog training.
People often ask me,
"What's the right thing to do?"
The honest answer is...
It depends.
How is your dog feeling?
How is the approaching dog behaving?
Is it running over to play?
Is it charging?
Can the owner recall their dog?
Do you have room to move away?
There isn't one perfect response because no two situations are ever exactly the same.
Instead of memorising a script, I want people to learn how to assess what's happening and make good decisions in real time.
That's a skill.
And like any skill, it becomes easier with practice.
Your dog is already gathering information.
One of the biggest lightbulb moments for many owners is realising that their dog noticed the approaching dog long before they did.
Long before the barking.
Long before the pulling.
Long before the lunging.
Your dog may have already:
- slowed down
- lifted their head
- changed the position of their ears
- become still
- shifted their weight
- fixed their gaze
Those tiny changes are your dog's way of saying:
"I've seen something."
Once you learn to spot those early conversations, you have more time to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting under pressure.
What can you do?
There isn't a single answer, but there are some helpful questions you can ask yourself.
- Can I create a little more distance?
- Does my dog need me to slow things down?
- Is there space to step off the path?
- Would changing direction make everyone feel more comfortable?
- Is my dog still able to think and respond?
- What is my dog telling me right now?
Sometimes the best decision is to keep moving.
Sometimes it's to pause.
Sometimes it's to calmly turn away.
The goal isn't to follow a rule.
The goal is to make the decision that best supports your dog in that moment.
You don't have to face it alone.
One of the saddest things I hear is:
"I've stopped enjoying walking my dog."
Not because they don't love their dog.
Because every walk feels like waiting for the next problem.
That isn't how dog walks should feel.
You deserve to enjoy walking with your dog.
And your dog deserves to feel supported by someone who understands what's happening.
Building confidence together.
This is exactly why I created Walks That Work™.
Not because I can promise another dog will never run over.
I can't.
Real life is unpredictable.
What I can do is walk beside you, help you understand what your dog is telling you, and coach you through those moments until you feel confident making decisions for yourself.
Because the goal isn't perfection.
It's reaching the point where another dog appears and, instead of panicking, you quietly think:
"I've got this."
Need a little extra support?
If you're finding walks stressful, whether your dog pulls on the lead, reacts to other dogs, feels anxious or simply leaves you wondering what to do next, Walks That Work™ is designed to help.
Together we'll build your confidence, improve your understanding of your dog, and help you enjoy walking with your dog again.
You can read more about our Walks That Work service below:
https://its-all-about-the-dog-training-academy.newzenler.com/walks-that-work
Categories: : Anxiety, Loose Lead Walking, Reactivity, Rescue Dogs