Why On-Leash Dog Greetings Are Like Bad Tinder Dates: Awkward, Forced, and Never a Good Idea

Because Nothing Says ‘New Friendship’ Like Tangled Leashes and Awkward Sniffing

Hey, humans. Yeah, it’s me—your dog. The one you’re constantly dragging around by the neck like I’m auditioning for The Real Housewives of the Dog Park. Listen, we need to talk.

You mean well, I know you do. You think, “Dogs love meeting other dogs, right? Let’s make that happen—on a leash!” But let me tell you something, straight up: this whole ‘dogs should always meet on leash’ thing is a disaster.

I don’t say this lightly. I’ve been around the block—literally. And I’ve had enough awkward, tension-filled leash greetings to last a lifetime. So sit, stay, and let me explain why you’ve got this all wrong.

“Leash meetings are forced hugs we didn’t ask for.”

Leashes: Great for Walks, Terrible for First Impressions

Here’s the deal. I know you use the leash to keep me safe—and honestly, I appreciate it. You’ve seen me eyeing that squirrel across the street. You’ve saved my life. Thanks.

But when it comes to meeting other dogs? That leash is the ultimate buzzkill. You’re basically strapping on a “Do Not Be Cool” sign and expecting me to act natural. Spoiler alert: I can’t.

See, when we dogs meet, it’s all about the sniff. A little butt action, some side-eye—it’s casual, polite, low-pressure. But when I’m tethered to you, I can’t move like I want to. And worse? You’re holding the leash tight like I’m about to rob a bank. What’s the deal with that?

Why Dogs Dread On-Leash Greetings (and You Should Too)

Here’s what happens every time you let me meet another dog on leash. (And yeah, I’m calling you out because I’ve seen you do this.)

1. The Tension Trainwreck

You’re gripping that leash like it’s the last slice of pizza at a party. That tension? It’s not just in your hand—it’s in my brain now. I’m thinking, Why are you so nervous? Is this other dog dangerous? Should I bark? Oh crap, I should totally bark!

The other dog feels it, too. Now we’re both tense, barking, lunging, and basically starring in a live-action episode of Dogs Gone Wild.

2. The Awkward Angle

Dogs aren’t meant to meet face-to-face. We like to approach from the side, sniff a butt, maybe drop a play bow if we’re feeling frisky. But you? You’re marching me straight into the other dog’s grill like we’re at a doggy staring contest.

You know what staring means in dog language? It means, “I’m gonna mess you up.” So yeah, thanks for that.

3. The Leash Dance

Leashes get tangled. I trip. The other dog trips. You’re doing this weird shuffle with the other human while both of us dogs are trying to decide if we should fight, play, or just fake an injury to get out of there. It’s chaos.

But What If My Dog Is Friendly?

Oh, the classic line: “It’s okay, my dog is friendly!” Listen, Karen, I know you think you’re helping, but here’s the reality:

•Just because I’m friendly doesn’t mean I want to meet every dog I see.

•Just because the other dog is friendly doesn’t mean they’re cool with my energy.

Sometimes I’m tired. Sometimes I’m cranky. Sometimes I just wanna sniff a bush in peace and not deal with your overenthusiastic golden doodle named Cinnamon. Respect that, okay?

The Right Way to Let Dogs Meet (Without Turning It Into a Soap Opera)

So, what’s the alternative? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s how to help me meet other dogs without turning it into a bad episode of Cesar Millan.

1. Parallel Walks

Instead of marching us straight into each other, start with a parallel walk. Keep some distance, let us sniff the air, and get used to each other’s vibes without the pressure of face-to-face contact.

2. Off-Leash in a Safe Space

If we’re in a secure, enclosed area, drop the leash. Let us greet on our terms. You know, like normal dogs. Just make sure the other dog is cool with it first—consent matters.

3. Controlled Sniffing

Give us space to sniff each other from a distance first. It’s like reading someone’s bio before you decide if you want to hang out.

4. Ask for Consent

Before you let me meet another dog, ask their human if it’s okay. Maybe their dog is nervous. Maybe they’re working on training. Maybe they just don’t wanna deal with my nonsense today—and that’s fine.

Bottom Line: Don’t Be That Human

Look, I know you love me. You want me to have friends. I get it. You see another dog, and you think, “Oh, what a cute little bonding moment this will be!” But trust me, Karen (yeah, I’m calling you Karen today), on-leash greetings are not the way.

They’re awkward, stressful, and half the time they make me look like a total jerk when I’m really just standing there thinking, “Wait, what’s happening? Are we cool? Are we fighting? Am I supposed to bark or wag?!” It’s confusing, okay?

So next time you see another dog, how about we just keep walking unless we both look chill and ready for a proper introduction? And if you’re unsure, here’s a revolutionary idea: just ask the other human. It’s not rocket science.

Thanks for listening, human. Now, how about you make it up to me with some belly rubs, a walk that doesn’t involve social drama, and maybe—just maybe—a slice of that pizza you’re pretending I don’t see? Deal?

Explore our training resources for practical, step-by-step support.

👉 Grab a copy of my Building Food Motivation PDF on Etsy to start building your dog’s engagement and focus.

👉 Dive into our Online Course at Training Dogs Online, where we walk you step by step through proven training strategies for real-life success.

👉 Curious about who we are? Learn more about us, our philosophy, and why we’re passionate about helping dogs and their owners thrive.

-Cher Wood