The Polite Hello: Helping Dogs Meet Without the Awkwardness

Spring in Auckland has a way of putting everyone in a sociable mood. The sun makes a surprise appearance, the parks fill up, and suddenly every dog seems to be heading towards every other dog with a human at the other end of the lead saying, “They’re friendly!”

That can be a lovely moment. It can also be a bit much. I’ve learned that a good dog greeting isn’t about making every dog say hello. It’s about noticing whether both dogs are comfortable, and giving them room to opt in or out. Much like me at a barbecue when I’ve only just arrived and haven’t found the snacks yet.

A walk is already full of information for a dog: new smells, sounds, people, bikes, other dogs and the occasional suspicious leaf. Meeting another dog adds another layer. Some dogs love a quick sniff and a wag; others would rather keep moving. Both are perfectly normal.

The first thing I try to do is read the whole dog, not just the tail. A wagging tail can mean excitement, uncertainty or simply that the tail is moving. Look at the rest of the body too. Is the dog loose and relaxed, able to look away and move freely? Or are they stiff, leaning hard into the lead, turning their head away, licking their lips or trying to create distance? Those small signals can tell you more than a cheerful “he’s fine” shouted from across the footpath.

If either dog seems unsure, we don’t need to negotiate a greeting, personally I don't feel like it is worth the risk, my dog is my baby! So, I make space, cross the road if it’s safe, or step aside and let the other dog pass. A little distance can take the pressure off for both dogs and both humans. It’s not rude, and it doesn’t mean a dog is unfriendly. It’s simply a considerate way to share a busy path.

When both people are happy for the dogs to meet, I keep it brief and easy. Loose leads help, because a tight lead can make it harder for dogs to move naturally. I let them approach in a curve rather than marching nose-to-nose, and I watch for whether both dogs are choosing to stay. A few seconds of sniffing can be plenty. Then we can cheerfully call our dogs away and carry on, before the interaction turns into a long, tangled lead situation that would test even the most advanced knot-tying skills.

And if your dog doesn’t want to greet? You’re allowed to say so. “We’re just going to keep moving, thanks” is a complete sentence. You don’t owe anyone a demonstration or an apology. If you’re walking someone else’s dog, it’s especially important to follow their usual routine and the owner’s instructions rather than assuming a greeting is fine.

Spring walks are meant to be enjoyable, not a series of compulsory introductions. A calm pass-by, a bit of extra space and a dog who gets to keep sniffing at their own pace can be a very successful social experience. Sometimes the best hello is a polite nod from a distance. Honestly, that’s my preferred kind before coffee too.
So next time you’re out in the Auckland sunshine, take a moment to check in with both dogs before heading over. Give them space to choose, keep greetings short and relaxed, and remember that walking on is always an option. Everyone gets to enjoy the walk a little more, and nobody has to pretend they’re thrilled to meet a stranger.