Behavior Around Dogs
by Stanley Bronstein on June 8, 2010
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
(Roger Caras)
If you do any of your Warrior Walking outdoors, you will no doubt encounter lots of animals.
Among those will be dogs.
I’d like to briefly share with you some of my experiences over the past year with our four-legged friends and the companions with whom they walk (notice I didn’t say “owners”).
Some dogs are so friendly they would never hurt a soul and all they want to do is play.
Other dogs can be extremely protective of their companions and don’t like to be touched.
Other dogs don’t mind playing, but it takes them some time to warm up to you.
To further complicate matters, some dog walkers like to be left alone. Others love to stop and talk.
The best advice I can give is that you make an initial overture of friendliness and you see how the dog and their walker reacts.
For example, I will say something like: Hi dog. Are you friendly?
Usually the dog walker will respond to that question. If they don’t respond, obviously it means they want to be left alone and you should keep walking. If they say something like – sure he’s friendly, then you know it’s okay to approach the dog.
NOW, HERE’S THE BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE TO YOU.
NEVER, EVER, EVER APPROACH THE DOG WITHOUT LETTING THE DOG APPROACH YOU FIRST!!!
Some dogs are shy and some can even be aggressive. If you let the dog come to you, there is a lesser chance the dog will perceive you as threatening.
That’s it. Let the dog approach you and you’ll probably stay out of trouble.
After 16 months and dozens of dogs I’ve made lots of friends and haven’t been bitten yet.
Until next time, take care.Stanley Bronstein
The Warrior Walker
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