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

[Adina P]

Yes, it could be intimidating..but he's such a cute big bear!
Under what circumstances/where is he off leash? My only suggestion is to put him under a command at that time when he's about to meet another dog or person. Heel him to the person, sit stay for the greet and then by then he's got no more room to run toward them because he's already there.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Doodle romps or dog parks, mostly. I haven't been taking him to dog parks lately but we still do hikes on off-leash trails... Also when we are in my parents backyard, my siblings will come outside, or bring their friends over, and he does it then too, when he isn't on leash. I do need to work on having him remain in a sit stay when people approach, but I haven't really thought to do it when we he's in the middle of playing in an off-leash area.

[Dori & Rua]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the picture with Darwin in the snow. Spent 30+ years in northern Minnesota and I miss the snow and woods.

[Susan and Sasha]

Beautiful pic Camilla!
But about the Head On Full Speed Potential Collision...Lol...well...I totally understand!!
Sasha hasn't done that with anyone but my son's dog...a beagal/Jack Russel mix...and then she continues to follow her around for the rest of the day...just trying to Luv her...Cuddle her...Luv her...and...you gussed it...the other dog wants NOTHING to do with Sasha!! Lol...
Sasha Totally...Does Not Understand WHY OH WHY the other dog doesn't want to play and cuddle with her..and just keeps on running away!!!!
I am NOT kidding when I say that they are in constant motion for the entire time my son is visiting...and it is hysterical...adorable...ridiculous...and exhusting at the very same time!! (smile)
Our family feels it's as simple as this...
Sasha is a VERY...VERY...lovable Polar Bear...who wants to Love You to Pieces (Let me cover you with Kisses)...and Sweet Pea (my sons dog) is an Introverted French Woman..who wears a beret...and smokes a black cigarette!! (Leave me alone you fool) Lol...

[Bonnie and Kona]

Susan, your description of Sasha and Sweet Pea is hysterical!

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

Absolutely HILARIOUS!!!

[Camilla and Darwin]

This cracks me up!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Peri does this too.....she lays crouched down and wags her tail and then shoots off toward the dog. But she doesn't do it to people so I haven't really worried. I like Adina's approach.

[Frannie & Callie]

I heart Darwin :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Murphy does this all the time at home....and only to his brother, Guinness. For him, it clearly is all about intimidation. We call it his "crouched tiger" position. He'll crouch down and stay perfectly still, staring at his "prey" (Guinness). If Guinness moves toward him, he will pounce. He never bites or hurts Guinness, but it clearly about dominance. Now if Guinness sees him in this position, he won't go anywhere near him. I always "correct" this with Murphy when I see it. I'll walk right up to him and get "in his face" until he has to move...telling him "no". I think your situation with Darwin is different, because it certainly doesn't seem to be about delivering an "alpha" message. Adina's suggestion makes a lot of sense, especially when you have him on leash. It will be tougher to execute when he's "running free". I love this picture....

[Linda and Murphy]

Murphy doesn't do that but he does what we call "fly bys"....and he has 30 lbs on Darwin.
He tries to run as fast as he can and as close as he can by an unsuspecting person. (I think if they realize he's there, he doesn't get near as much pleasure). Like zoomies on steriods.
Its fine with my college age sons but I am afraid he is going to flatten a small child..or take out someone's knee.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin does this too when he's really excited. He actually hyper extended my knee once, which was no fun at all. But he's getting better at steering clear. :-)