3 Second Rule

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How to successfully manage the 3-second meeting rule for dogs

3-second-rule- 3 Second Rule


Further to our article on Approaching dogs, we decided to do one on the 3-second rule

.For dogs that don’t know each other, the initial idea is to allow a basic introduction where they meet without the experience of becoming an unpleasant venture. Even if your pet is very easygoing and enjoys meeting other dogs, at some point, he will come across other dogs that he’s not happy meeting, comfortable with, or socially unskilled. This is when the 3-second rule will allow you to decide if this is another canine that both you and your dog are comfortable with.

The initial idea for dogs that don’t know each other is to allow a basic introduction where they meet without the experience, becoming an unpleasant venture. Even if your pet is very easygoing and enjoys meeting other dogs, at some point, he will come across other dogs that he’s not happy meeting, comfortable with, or socially unskilled. This is when the 3-second rule will allow you to decide if this is another canine you and your dog are comfortable with.

Don’t panic if you are out walking with your dog and encounter another and don’t feel comfortable allowing your dog to meet him. Trust your gut feeling. Excuse yourself politely from the situation; explain to the other dog owner that yours is in training mode, and depart before the rendezvous becomes a conflict encounter.

Applying the 3-second rule

Many dog trainers recommend the 3-second rule that allows for a more controlled meeting experience, allowing an initial interaction time of only 3 seconds or perhaps even less if negative body language is displayed.

  1. At the first meeting, allow an initial 3-second period for exploring and sniffing.
  2. You will know if your dog is chilled with the situation – wagging tails and feeling relaxed.
  3. Move away from the dog’s tail is erect or rigid
  4. Look out for the dogs staring each other out
  5. Look out for the dominant dog attempting to place his head above the other dog’s
  6. Keep the lead loose, as a tight lead may heighten sensitivity levels
  7. Be aware of any other dominating signs such as baring teeth, growling or snarling – at this point depart
  8. Once past the 3-second point, or perhaps even earlier, begin to distract your dog and move away using a loose leash lead
  9. You could try this meet again after several minutes, or a good time for the dogs to greet each other is on your next walk to the park
  10. Continue with these small interactions, increasing over time to help your dog to become socialised with other dogs.

Unfortunately, these days, many dog owners are quite oblivious to what their dog is up to during a walk, as they tend to concentrate more on their phones. Giving a wide berth to any such character on your daily walk is best. You need both owners to control their pets for a positive dog meeting. Following the 3-second rule will also make your dog understand that you, his owner, have the situation well managed.

Here at Finchley Dog Walker, we are a firm believer in both dogs walking etiquette and the 3-second rule when out and about. However, this still depends on the dog, so always trust your instinct.

Why not also check out our article on Respect the lead

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