Is your pooch a little too enthusiastic, or aggressive, when it comes to saying hello? Mel Hearse speaks to professional dog behaviourist Liia White to find out how to train your canine to be a gracious greeter.
Puppies can be very enthusiastic (or conversely, aggressive and stand-offish) when it comes to meeting new dogs or people, but as they grow into bigger dogs, they can carry these habits with them — and it can become a real problem. Whether you’ve got a new family member and you’re keen to set good greeting habits from the beginning, or a four-legged friend that breaks all the rules when it comes to saying hello to other pooches and people, there are things you can do to set a better standard in their greeting style.
Why is this important? As with humans, first impressions can last, and professional dog behaviourist Liia White says good social skills are important for a dog’s development and make for a happier, more balanced canine. “If a dog has bad social skills, it can lead not only to fights, but disruptive behaviours, challenging your position as the leader and creating an all-round unhappy canine,” she says.
- Start strong
When introducing a new dog to your home or pack, Liia says the most important thing is to stay calm and confident. “Expecting something to go wrong will often make the dog feel insecure and unsure of what it is doing. Dogs feed off our energy, and if we project ourselves to be confident in what’s happening, they will not feel the need to second guess you.” - Stay classy and park it
Puppy classes are ideal for teaching your young pooch to be a savvy greeter as the dogs are all around the same age, it’s held in a confined and safe environment, and they can be left to their own devices. - What not to do
When it comes to a successful meet and greet, Liia says there are things to avoid.“For example, dogs should never greet face to face, but a lot of owners find this acceptable. Unfortunately, if the wrong dog is approached this way it can result in a fight.” - Dog whispering
If things have gone south and you just don’t know what to do, take a step back and assess the situation while staying calm and positive. Is your dog’s tail nice and even? Are its eyes focussed but not too alert? Is it sniffing? If your pet is doing all of these things, Liia says you are on the right track. - The harder cases
If you’ve tried all the tricks and you’re getting nowhere, take heart. All unsociable dogs (and this can be anything from the persistently hyperactive dog that leaps on guests to say hello, through to dogs that say hello with a deep growl and a snap) can be turned around with persistence, knowledge, and work on the owner’s behalf. - Different strokes for different … dogs
If you’ve successfully trained one dog to bea great little greeter, but dog number two comes along and wilfully ignores all your best attempts, it may be they respond to different methods; like people, dogs are individuals.
This article was originally published in PETS Magazine issue 60. For more pawsome advice and care, subscribe to our magazine here.
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