Distance between dogs can be part of a good introduction
Not every good introduction between two dogs has to start with direct contact.
This PetiTip is based on content by @bark.lab, who works with us on educational content and helps us develop PetiFit with dogs and their owners in mind.
Turning the head away, moving away or increasing distance can all be part of canine communication. Paying attention to these signals can help us give a dog more choice over how close they want to get to another dog.
bark.lab shows more examples of canine communication in this Instagram reel: watch the @bark.lab reel.
Not every dog wants to meet in the same way
Some dogs are happy to approach a new dog straight away. Others may need more time, more space or simply a calm walk alongside each other first.
A parallel walk allows dogs to spend time together without immediately putting them into direct contact. The distance between them can then be gradually reduced while observing how both dogs respond.
Why does this matter?
- not every dog feels comfortable with quick, frontal contact,
- more distance can reduce tension at the start of a meeting,
- a calmer introduction gives dogs more choice and a greater sense of safety.
Why do we include this in PetiFit?
Finding a good walking companion is about more than size, age or energy level.
In PetiFit, you can also choose your dog's preferred way of meeting other dogs and check what kind of introduction another dog may be comfortable with.
That means that before meeting, owners can agree whether to start with a parallel walk, keep some extra distance or allow more direct interaction.
Distance between dogs can be part of a good introduction.
Related PetiFit topic: preferred way of meeting other dogs and better walk matching.