Should Dogs Greet Other Dogs on Walks? Let’s Talk About It!

A friend and fellow dog lover recently asked me, “Should dogs be allowed to greet other dogs while on walks?”

My short answer? No. In my professional opinion it’s what I call a “recipe for disaster”.

But let me explain why.

While many dog guardians have the best intentions—often told that socialization is key—meeting other dogs while on leash can actually create frustration, confusion, and even stress for many dogs. Despite the popular belief that every walk should be a social opportunity, the reality is that most dogs don’t want—or need—to greet every dog they see.

Think about it from a human perspective.

You’re out on a walk. One neighbor smiles and says hi—pleasant enough. The next one rushes over and gives you a bear hug. Strange, but okay. The third yells at you for stepping on their grass. Now you’re on edge, unsure how the next interaction will go. Are you relaxed and enjoying your walk anymore? Probably not.

Now imagine your dog experiences that unpredictability on every walk.

Dogs on leash are physically limited—they can’t move away if they feel uncomfortable, and they can’t communicate freely with body language. That restriction can cause frustration or even fear, especially when met by dogs with poor social skills who charge in too quickly or get in their face.

Here’s another common scenario: a young, social pup sees another dog on a walk, gets excited, pulls and barks—and gets rewarded by being allowed to greet. Over time, this creates a pattern: see a dog, get over-aroused, pull hard, bark more. If that greeting is suddenly denied, the frustration escalates. That’s how leash reactivity or what I call “Big Feelings” on walks often begins.

It’s not just about fear. Even friendly dogs can become frustrated on leash because of repeated, inconsistent experiences with on-leash greetings.

The better approach? Make your walks about you and your dog – think of it like a dance. Let them sniff and explore the environment, sure—but also teach them to check in with you, walk together in rhythm like a dance. Add small training moments— “wait” before crossing streets or play “find it” games with treats. These shared experiences build your bond and reduce arousal and stress.

Walks should be a calming, connecting time—not a gauntlet of social pressure.

If your dog already struggles with BIG feelings on walks (leash reactivity), know that there’s help. This is a common behavior, best addressed with a force-free, positive approach. You can reach out to me at info@carolscaninetraining.com to schedule a Consultation and start enjoying your walks again.

Important note: Punishment or correction may suppress the behavior temporarily but doesn’t address the underlying cause—and can often make it worse. Tools like prong collars and leash pops can increase fear, anxiety, and frustration, leading to more severe reactions over time.

So the next time you’re on a walk, remember: your dog doesn’t need to meet every dog. What they need most is connection—with you.

Thanks J for a great question!