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Behaviour

Does my dog have to greet every dog?

No — and that's actually a good thing. Why a few good dog contacts are worth more than many fleeting ones, and how to walk past other dogs calmly.

Many people believe a dog has to meet every other dog. That's not true. Really good play happens above all between dogs that know and trust each other. Constant contact with unfamiliar dogs, on the other hand, often brings more frustration than joy.

A few good contacts are enough

Not every dog needs lots of dog contacts, and not every encounter turns into a friendship. Here too, every dog is different: some are very sociable, others prefer things quieter. A few good contacts matter more than many. A dog that has learned to walk past other dogs calmly has a much easier time in everyday life.

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This article is no substitute for veterinary advice. Source: DOGSY editorial team.