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The 5 Minute Dog by Personable Pets Dog Training
Quick, practical dog training tips in under 5 minutes—because training your dog shouldn’t take all day.
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With over 20 years of family dog training experience, this podcast delivers real-life advice you can actually use. From simple tips and clear explanations to common behavior scenarios, we’ll help you understand why your dog does what he does—and what to do about it.
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The 5 Minute Dog by Personable Pets Dog Training
#161 Setting Boundaries: How to Protect Your Dog's Space in Public
Have you ever felt that sinking feeling when a stranger makes a beeline for your dog during what was supposed to be a peaceful walk? Whether your four-legged companion is anxious around new people, you're in the middle of important training, or you simply want to enjoy uninterrupted time together, managing these encounters is an essential skill for any dog owner.
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Let's talk about how to stop people from approaching you and your dog, especially when you don't want them to approach to begin with. Maybe your dog is anxious, maybe you're working on training, or maybe you're just trying to get through a peaceful walk without strangers interrupting. Whatever the reason, it is completely okay to say no, thank you, but the trick is doing it effectively and early enough. So here's the move the moment you see someone looking at your dog and maybe drifting your way, see someone looking at your dog and maybe drifting your way, throw up that stop sign. Hand, palm out, finger, spread the universal don't approach signal, calm but firm. And here's the important part you have to do it when they're still a good 20, 25 foot away. Stopping someone early gives you the space to stay in control and most people will pause as soon as they see the hand. And then you get to decide what happens next. You might say you know we're working on training, we just need some space today. Or maybe my dog is nervous around new people, so we're going to keep moving. Or maybe you do want the person to greet your dog, but on your terms. In that case, still stop them, but then say give me a second. We're working on jumping. Then step on the leash, get your dog under control and invite them in when you're ready.
Speaker 1:Now if you spot someone in the distance and want to avoid the interaction altogether, no problem. Take a smooth turn, head down a side trail, cross the street or shift your direction like it was already part of your plan. But you must do it calmly. If every time your dog sees a person, you suddenly stiffen up and turn around fast or yank on the leash, your dog might start thinking that people are scary or stressful. So keep your energy easy and calm. Offer your dog a treat, make it feel normal and if you have to block someone from coming closer, palm up friendly tone while you give your dog a treat. Let your dog think cool, when people show up, I get treats. People must mean good things. The goal isn't to avoid the world, it's to guide your dog through it confidently without letting every stranger disrupt your walk. So the next time you see someone coming your way, remember stop them early. Stop them before they are too close. It's not rude, it's responsible dog handling.