Dealing With The “They’re Friendly!” Idiots When Your Dog Wants Space
When an Off-Lead Dog Approaches: How to Protect Your On-Lead Dog
You’re out for a walk with your dog, enjoying some calm time together, when suddenly you see another dog running towards you — off-lead, and with no sign of slowing down. These dogs are often trailed by an owner shouting “don’t worry, they’re friendly!” or so engrossed in their phone that they have no idea where their dog is or what it’s doing. If your dog is on-lead and doesn’t want to interact, this can quickly turn a peaceful outing into a stressful situation.
Why Some Dogs Need Space
There are plenty of reasons why you should always keep your dog away from on-lead dogs- no matter how friendly yours is.
Reactive- Some dogs find other dogs scary (due to lack of socialisation or bad experiences in the past) and others get too excited to see other dogs. A small minority of dogs are simply aggressive due to their genetics. In all of these situations it’s useful for owners to practice working on their neutrality, a task which is impossible when off-lead dogs run up to them and force interactions.
Recovering from surgery- Healing wounds don’t mix well with muddy claws!
Ill- As well as the risk of infecting the approaching dog, dogs who are suffering from illness are more likely to want space and display aggression to get it.
In season- I recommend keeping in-season bitches away from areas with off-lead dogs but it’s good to be mindful of the fact that an on-lead bitch may be in season and therefore need to avoid intact males.
Simply not in the mood for socialising- Even the most friendly and confident dogs sometimes need space, and it’s perfectly okay to protect that boundary.
The law states that dogs must be under close control in public spaces- not sprinting away from their despairing owner- and if an on-lead dog bites an off-lead dog, the off-lead dog is at fault.
What to Do When an Off-Lead Dog Approaches
If you see an off-lead dog making a beeline for yours, stay calm but act decisively. Here’s what to do:
Put your dog behind you. Step between your dog and the approaching one. This creates both physical and emotional distance, signalling to your dog that you’ve got the situation under control and they don’t need to react.
Use a firm, clear voice. Step toward the approaching dog — confidently but not aggressively — and say “No!” in a strong, low tone. Most dogs will hesitate or back off when they sense clear body language and tone from a human.
Avoid letting the dogs greet. Even if the other owner insists “They’re friendly!”, remember that your priority is your own dog’s safety and wellbeing. It’s okay to say “My dog needs space” or simply move away without engaging further.
Why This Matters for Your Dog’s Trust
By advocating for your dog, you show them that you can handle the situation — they don’t need to. This builds trust and helps prevent reactive behaviour. Dogs often become reactive because they feel they must protect themselves or their owner when faced with unwanted interactions. When you step up and manage those situations calmly and assertively, your dog learns that you’ve got their back.
Remember: Protecting Your Dog Isn’t Rude
In the moment, you might worry that the other owner will think you’re being rude. But here’s the truth: a stranger being mildly offended for a few seconds is far less important than your dog’s long-term wellbeing. One bad interaction with an uncontrolled dog can set back months of training or make a sensitive dog even more reactive.
Your dog’s comfort and trust come first — always. Advocate for them, set clear boundaries, and don’t feel guilty for doing what’s best for your four-legged friend.
