We’re talking about pressure and dogs. It’s not the sort of pressure to make sure your dog’s leash matches the collar, or for your dog to be looking good in front of your friends. It’s the bubble of pressure that surrounds all dogs. This sort of pressure is essential to understand for your dog’s comfort and everyone’s safety around dogs. It will also help you become a great communicator with every dog you meet.
In the episode you'll hear:
- My explanation on how the interweb fairies work.
- About me being a hugger and our individual socially acceptable space.
- How all dogs respond to pressure.
- Why knowing about a dog’s bubble is important for safety.
- The reason running towards your dog is counter productive.
- About the fictional world of greeting dogs and what the facts are.
- What to ask instead of “can I pat your dog?”
- How the location can expand the bubble for your dog.
- Why it’s okay if your dog does not greet everyone.
I have a female aussie who is super cute and sweet. Everyone wants to immediately touch her face and head and she is like, wooowah there, I dont know you. What i tell people is, ignore her, let her come to you. With in 30 seconds she is over to them and then ready to be pet. She has to make the choice, I see you, you seem ok, now you can be my friend. I had one strange try to stick their hands in her face and she backed off (he was fast about it) and then says, oh she is shy. I said, No, how would you like it if a stranger came up to you and immediately shoved their hands in your face? He laughed and said ok good point.
This was a great podcast, thank you so much for this, very much clears some things up for me! One question, my dog seems to rush in to greet people (if allowed), but then almost changes his mind and doesn’t want to be touched. What do I do in this case? I think the answer will be to ask everyone to ignore him until he seems more comfortable? It seems like he is asking for attention, but then when he gets it, he definitely doesn’t want it!
I’m not really a hugger, but I would definitely give you a hug if I ever met you, Susan! You are a wealth of knowledge and your podcasts are always so great!
This is perfect! Running away from a running away dog is a very hard thing to do. I found this out as a teenager. My brother and his wife had a dog, Lurch, who would bolt at every chance and they were forever driving around the neighborhood trying to find him. I was visiting once and he ran out, I yelled “I’ll get him!” and took off outside, he turned his head when I called his name but kept going. So I called him again and ran the other way. I had him back home in 5 minutes. Luckily a very quiet neighborhood, but he was at risk of getting hit or lost. Now I have a very clear understanding why it works!.
What if your dog is the close talker? Haha! He doesn’t respect anyone’s bubble.. including that of other dogs. Poor guy is sweet as can be but isn’t too popular.
Thank you for noting that some dogs don’t like to be touched on the head, mine is one of them. He backs away, even sometimes with me. So I respect that and tell people about it. When he was younger a conformation judge didn’t give him a Reserve BIS for that reason. Not that I care much about confirmation shows much anyway. But at the time I was hurt. As I felt like I had failed to teach my dog to accept a strangers hand on top of his head.
As far as hugging goes, I would love to one day get a SG hug 🤗
Where I does Susan address how to deal with puppy fear period?
Thank you for this! One of my dogs has an extremely large bubble and is very anxious when anyone approaches. You’ve given me a better, kinder way to respond when someone wants to come up to us. And, the next time I see someone with their dog, I know of a better way to ask if I can meet their dog.
I have a very pretty BC (aren’t they all!) and many people want to pet her but she is very particular about who has that right. Only “her people” have that right. They have to earn her love. When they have, they can do anything. But , as you say, many people , just do not understand that bubble and can be darn right rude . My advice is to great my dog as you would a shy child. Ignore them and they will accept you when the time is right for them and then they will trust you forever .
I’ve never understood peoples desires to try to make my dogs their best friend. And the look of heart break and disappointment when I send him for a “go see”, he stays for 1/2 second and shoots right back to my side….I guess both of us aren’t huggers 😉
Just loving the podcast. My 7 month old English Springer Spaniel is going through an adolescent fear period. Would love to hear what Susan’s suggestions on dealing with this is. We’re just working on being calm and happy and using games she already knows to keep up her confidence through this time
Have never heard this addressed anywhere else, but it makes PERFECT sense! Love that Susan tells us what not to do and then shares what to do. Another five-star podcast!
I always learn something from Susan…thanks for sharing. .hugs to you
Respect the bubble! Love it!
I didn’t know what to expect when I read the title but I have to say wow.
This is a very important one and young kids should learn this from their parents and/or at school. I’m sure this would prevent a lot of dogbites.
I’m one of those people who often didn’t allow people to pet my dogs, just because I knew they didn’t like it.
Some of my dogs would even bite if I hadn’t blocked those people from coming closer. (6 of the 8 dogs were rescues with a mystery past)
I’ve been called a bi*** and that’s too bad. My dogs are way too important to let that bother me.
So thank you for another great episode.