Darwin's Approach Scares People...

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin has an interesting way of greeting people. Well, some of the time. When he's on leash, he just wags his entire butt and looks happy. But when he's off leash, he does something that tends to scare people. It was basically his way of greeting other dogs from the beginning, but it slowly included people greeting as well. 

He'll see someone approach, and immediately freeze or lay down (in a crouching but ready to spring position) and freeze. Then, when the person or dog is 5-10 feet away, he'll leap up and barrel towards them full speed. I thought this was cute when he met dogs. Kind of "faking them out" by holding still then springing at the last second. But I am sick of people thinking he's going to attack them. Of course, once he reaches the person he stops and runs circles around them, or sits in front of them. There isn't any jumping or barking, at all. It's just the initial burst of speed that freaks people out. I don't blame them either, it is intimidating to have  dog run at you head on! Especially for kids.

And lastly, I don't worry as much when he does this to other dogs. But I do think it worries their owners before they know he's just playing. And it could be potentially annoying or threatening towards small dogs, or defensive dogs... don't you think? 

Any advice on how to stop this? Is there a way? Do you think this is a big problem as far as greeting other dogs? 

I've added a visual .... are you terrified yet? LOL

[Linda and Murphy]

Ouch! Murphy is such a klutz. Failure to maintain control is definitely a problem, but as you say, its getting better.

[Lesley, Wellington & Bingley]

Welly will do this with dogs if I let him. So if he's off lead and an unfamiliar dog approaches I get a treat out and he can have the treat when we are passed the dog. If the dog comes over to say hi I will hold his collar until they are greeting eachother and then let him go. It's only the initial tigger action that I want to stop as it's very intimidating to both dogs and their owners.

If I don't allow him to do it - the behaviour will deminish.