If you’re going to allow your dog to meet other dogs, either on or off leash, here are some important things to keep in mind.

On leash meetings can be stressful for dogs because the leash is confining. A dog who feels frightened cannot run away and is more likely to lash out. Leashes also limit movement, so signs dogs might give to one another can be hampered or prohibited. Follow these pointers to help make on leash introductions as pleasant as possible.

Approach in an Arc: When dogs approach each other, they walk towards one another in a curved path instead of moving forward in a straight line like humans. Approaching in an arc is a canine way of saying "Hello, I mean no harm". When on leash, dogs must walk where we walk, so moving in an arc allows your dog to have nice canine manners. It can also help relax both your dog and the approaching dog.

Observe Both Dogs: As you approach, watch both your own dog and the other dog for signs of fear or aggression. If either dog appears uncomfortable, don’t insist on having them interact.

Always Ask First: Not everyone wants their dog to meet other dogs. Be certain to get the other owner’s permission before the dogs meet.

Keep Leashes Loose: The tighter the leash, the more restrained your dog will feel and the more likely she will be to act aggressively if she feels threatened. Keeping your dog’s leash loose allows her to feel more at ease and gives her the ability to step away if she feels uncomfortable.

Stay Calm and Relaxed: Dogs are excellent at noticing human emotions and responding to them. If you become stiff and nervous when a dog approaches, you will transmit that worry to your dog. Try to appear relaxed, even if you aren’t.

Don’t Pull Your Dog Away: When you’re ready to end an interaction, cheerfully call your dog away. Don’t pull him on the leash. Tightening the leash can cause your dog or the other dog to panic. Stay calm and entice your dog away with a happy voice and a little treat.

Off leash meetings have the advantage of allowing the dogs their full freedom of movement, but they also give the owner far less control.

Carry A Leash, Treats, and a Noisemaker: The leash helps if you lose verbal control of your dog. Treats encourage your dog to check in with you and allow you to reward good behavior. A noisemaker, such as a little aerosol foghorn, can be used to startle dogs who show signs that they may not get along.

Understand Your Dog’s Body Language: Before you start letting your dog play with others off leash, be certain you can read him well. If you have a hard time deciding if your dog is at ease or not, he’s not ready for off leash play.

Keep Moving: Don’t stand still when your dog is playing. Move around. Circle the perimeter of the dog park or walk in a wide circle. This makes it necessary for your dog to continually pause to see where you are. These check-ins keep play calmer and also teach your dog to keep one eye out for you regardless of what else is happening.

Don’t Force or Coddle: You shouldn’t make your dog play with another dog or push her into a situation if she’s behaving fearfully. But on the other hand, you should not reward your dog for being scared by petting and cuddling her. Instead allow your dog to take whatever time she needs to be comfortable, and stay calm and keep petting to a minimum when she’s hiding behind you.

Stay Attentive: If your dog is interacting with another dog, keep watching them. Don’t lose focus or become complacent because things seem to be going well. It is your responsibility to watch your off leash dog at all times.

Step in at the First Sign of Trouble: If you sense your dog or another dog is uncomfortable, stop or pause the play immediately. Call your dog over to you, or go get her is she doesn’t come. This may seem excessive, but things can escalate very quickly when a dog feels overwhelmed. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.