#161 Setting Boundaries: How to Protect Your Dog's Space in Public

Send us a message - we can't reply but we are listening

Have you ever felt that sinking feeling when a stranger makes a beeline for your dog during what was supposed to be a peaceful walk? Whether your four-legged companion is anxious around new people, you're in the middle of important training, or you simply want to enjoy uninterrupted time together, managing these encounters is an essential skill for any dog owner.

Support the show

🎙️ Have a topic you'd like us to cover?
Submit your suggestion at fiveminutedog.com using the contact form.

📚 Join our online training platform:
Dog training courses from Personable Pets

👩‍💻 Need one-on-one help?
Book a virtual session with a Family Dog expert: personablepets.com/virtual-sessions

📱Follow us for daily tips and updates:
TikTok | Facebook | Instagram

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:03):
Let's talk about how to stop people from approaching
you and your dog, especiallywhen you don't want them to
approach to begin with.
Maybe your dog is anxious,maybe you're working on training
, or maybe you're just trying toget through a peaceful walk
without strangers interrupting.

(00:23):
Whatever the reason, it iscompletely okay to say no, thank
you, but the trick is doing iteffectively and early enough.
So here's the move the momentyou see someone looking at your
dog and maybe drifting your way,see someone looking at your dog

(00:46):
and maybe drifting your way,throw up that stop sign.
Hand, palm out, finger, spreadthe universal don't approach
signal, calm but firm.
And here's the important partyou have to do it when they're
still a good 20, 25 foot away.
Stopping someone early givesyou the space to stay in control

(01:07):
and most people will pause assoon as they see the hand.
And then you get to decide whathappens next.
You might say you know we'reworking on training, we just
need some space today.
Or maybe my dog is nervousaround new people, so we're
going to keep moving.
Or maybe you do want the personto greet your dog, but on your

(01:30):
terms.
In that case, still stop them,but then say give me a second.
We're working on jumping.
Then step on the leash, getyour dog under control and
invite them in when you're ready.
Now if you spot someone in thedistance and want to avoid the
interaction altogether, noproblem.

(01:52):
Take a smooth turn, head down aside trail, cross the street or
shift your direction like itwas already part of your plan.
But you must do it calmly.
If every time your dog sees aperson, you suddenly stiffen up
and turn around fast or yank onthe leash, your dog might start

(02:17):
thinking that people are scaryor stressful.
So keep your energy easy andcalm.
Offer your dog a treat, make itfeel normal and if you have to
block someone from coming closer, palm up friendly tone while
you give your dog a treat.
Let your dog think cool, whenpeople show up, I get treats.

(02:39):
People must mean good things.
The goal isn't to avoid theworld, it's to guide your dog
through it confidently withoutletting every stranger disrupt
your walk.
So the next time you seesomeone coming your way,
remember stop them early.
Stop them before they are tooclose.

(03:00):
It's not rude, it's responsibledog handling.