Why Other Dogs May Still Need Space
Updated May 2026
This article offers general guidance only. If your dog is showing serious fear, aggression, anxiety or sudden behaviour changes, speak to a qualified reward-based behaviour professional or your vet.
“Don’t worry, my dog is friendly.”
It is a phrase many of us have heard while an off-lead dog runs towards a dog being walked on a lead.
The approaching dog may genuinely be playful and sociable. That does not mean the other dog wants to meet.
Friendly intent is not the same as a polite approach.
A dog may be nervous, elderly, injured, in training or simply happier with more space. The safest and kindest approach is to keep your dog under control and ask before allowing a greeting.
Your dog being friendly is only half of the conversation
You know your own dog. You may know that they enjoy playing and have never intentionally hurt another dog.
What you cannot know is how the approaching dog feels.
They may:
- be worried by unfamiliar dogs
- be recovering from illness or surgery
- find energetic play painful
- be learning to remain calm around dogs
- have poor eyesight or hearing
- be elderly and less tolerant of close contact
- be a newly adopted rescue dog
- become frustrated or frightened when restricted by a lead
- need space because of a previous bad experience
Read my guide on why some dogs need space
A lead can also change how an interaction feels. A dog cannot move away freely, and two dogs may be forced into a direct, head-on greeting.
Blue Cross notes that dogs can react differently when their movement is restricted by a lead. (Blue Cross)
A friendly dog can still behave impolitely
Some dogs approach quickly, stare, jump, chase or ignore requests for space.
They may be excited rather than aggressive, but that excitement can still be overwhelming.
Good dog communication includes noticing when the other dog:
- turns away
- slows down
- freezes
- lowers their body
- licks their lips
- tries to move behind their owner
- growls or barks
- repeatedly attempts to leave
A growl is useful communication. It is a warning that the dog is uncomfortable and needs more distance.
The aim should not be to force the worried dog to tolerate the greeting. The better choice is to create space.
If you see a dog on a lead, call your dog back
A simple rule makes many walks easier:
If another dog is on a lead, call your dog back and place them on their lead too.
The other owner may later say that a greeting is welcome. Until then, give them room.
The RSPCA advises owners to put their dog on a lead when they encounter another dog that is already being walked on one. (RSPCA)
Your dog should not be off-lead around other dogs unless you can reliably call them back.
Recall does not only mean returning when nothing interesting is happening. It needs to work when your dog sees another dog, a person, a cyclist, or any distraction.
A long line can provide more freedom while recall is still being practised.
Ask before allowing dogs to greet
There is no need for every dog to greet every dog they pass.
Many dogs are perfectly happy walking by, sniffing the environment and continuing with their day.
When a greeting may be appropriate:
- Bring your dog under control.
- Ask the other person whether their dog is comfortable meeting.
- Accept their answer without questioning it.
- Keep the interaction calm and brief.
- Move on if either dog appears uncomfortable.
A person saying “no” is not being unfriendly. They are making a decision for the dog in their care.
What to do if another dog is approaching yours
When I am walking a dog that needs space, I try to act early.
I may:
- move to the other side of the path
- turn and walk in another direction
- place myself between the dogs
- calmly ask the owner to call their dog
- use parked cars, trees or hedges as a visual barrier
- scatter a few treats for the dog I am walking, when appropriate
- leave the area before the dog becomes overwhelmed
Useful phrases include:
“Please call your dog back. Mine needs space.”
“We are training at the moment, so we cannot say hello.”
“Please keep your dog away.”
You do not need to explain the dog’s full history.
Dogs Trust recommends giving worried dogs the opportunity to move away rather than forcing them to face something they fear.
Avoid blaming the dog that reacts
A barking or lunging dog is not necessarily trying to start a fight.
The behaviour may be an attempt to make the approaching dog move away.
When the other dog keeps coming, the nervous dog loses the distance they need to feel safe. Repeated experiences like this can make future walks harder.
Owners of nervous dogs are often already working carefully to avoid situations their dog cannot manage.
Giving them a few extra metres can make a significant difference.
Responsible dog walking etiquette
Before allowing your dog off lead, check that:
- their recall is reliable
- you can see the path ahead
- they will not run up to people or dogs
- local rules allow off-lead walking
- livestock or wildlife are not at risk
- you can put the lead back on promptly
- you are watching your dog rather than your phone
Around narrow paths, entrances and busy areas, it is often kinder to keep your dog close.
This is particularly useful in places such as Coldfall Woods, Cherry Tree Wood, Highgate Woods and Parkland Walk, where blind corners and narrow routes can make it difficult for another owner to create distance.
Calm one-to-one dog walks in Finchley
Some dogs cope poorly with crowded walks, group walking or repeated close encounters.
I provide calm one-to-one walks from the client’s door, without vans, car journeys or group collections. This gives me more control over the route, pace and amount of space each dog receives.++
To discuss your dog’s routine, walking preferences or need for quieter walks, please get in touch.
Related dog walking guides
- Some Dogs Need Space
- Why Dogs May Act Differently on a Lead
- Reactive and Nervous Dog Walking
- Walking Kit for Nervous or Reactive Dogs
- Dog and Cat Care Guides Hub
FAQs
Should I let my friendly dog run up to other dogs?
No. Call your dog back and ask the other owner before allowing an interaction. The other dog may be nervous, injured, elderly or uncomfortable with close greetings.
Why do some dogs react when they are on a lead?
A lead limits a dog’s ability to move away. Direct approaches can make some dogs feel trapped, worried or frustrated.
Should I put my dog on a lead when I see another dog on one?
Yes. It is a sensible and widely recommended piece of dog walking etiquette. Once both dogs are controlled, the owners can decide whether a greeting is appropriate.
Does a barking dog always want to attack?
No. Barking and lunging can be attempts to increase distance. A worried dog may be asking the approaching dog to move away.
Is it rude to ask another owner to call their dog back?
No. A clear request protects both dogs. You do not need to justify why the dog you are walking needs space.
Do dogs need to greet other dogs during every walk?
No. A dog can have a satisfying walk through sniffing, exploring and spending calm time with their handler.
Below are some posts you may be in
