It's a scenario many dog owners know all too well: You're taking a leisurely walk, your dog on a leash, and suddenly another dog appears in the distance. Seconds later, the tension is gone. The leash is taut, your dog jumps, barks, and pulls. The walk becomes a nerve-wracking experience.
But don't worry: This behavior isn't unusual—and most importantly, it's trainable . In this article, you'll learn why leash encounters are so often stressful , how to better understand your dog, and how to guide him confidently through such situations. And you'll see how grooming and shared rituals—for example, using our gentle emmi-pet PRO ultrasonic toothbrush —can strengthen your relationship and, at the same time, promote impulse control.
Why do dog encounters escalate?
In the wild, dogs rarely encounter each other head-on. They approach in a circular fashion, observing and taking their time. On a leash, they lack this freedom. The direct approach in a confined space creates tension—not only physically but also emotionally.
If the leash becomes taut, the owner reacts nervously, or suddenly stops, the dog's insecurity and irritation levels increase . The dog senses, "Something is uncomfortable here." And often, he has no other choice but to become loud, hectic, or withdraw.
The most common reasons for stressful encounters
Every dog is a unique universe. With its own history, its own experiences—and its own unique triggers when it comes to behavior on the leash. What may be a minor irritation for one dog can be the proverbial fuse for another. And that's precisely why it's so important to look behind the behavior—and not just react to it.
Insecurity is one of the most common reasons. Some dogs have had bad experiences with other dogs in the past – perhaps their space was taken over too quickly, perhaps there was an attack, perhaps they simply didn't have the opportunity to retreat. The result: They want to keep their distance – and do so loudly. Not because they are aggressive, but because they want to protect themselves.
Then there's the frustration : The dog sees the other dog, wants to approach, sniff, and interact – but the leash prevents him from doing so. The energy builds up , and he doesn't know what to do with it. And so it's channeled – into pulling, barking, jumping, and loud noise.
Excitement is also a common cause—especially in young dogs or those who love social interactions. They're overwhelmed by the joy, the expectations, the confines of the situation. Their body language is one long, constant: "I can't stay still anymore!"
And let's not forget: a lack of alternative behaviors. Many dogs simply don't know how to behave. No one has shown them. So they resort to what works—or at least relieves the pressure.
What all of these cases have in common: The dog needs a caregiver who can help him deal with these feelings. No punishments. No "dominant behavior." Instead, clarity, empathy—and gentle guidance.
The best strategy: Recognize early, react calmly
The key lies in your perception. Dogs often send many small signals before they "fly off the handle" – we just have to learn to read them. Pay attention to their body language: Are their ears pricked? Does their gait stiffen? Does their gaze become more fixed? Perhaps their tail lifts slightly, or perhaps their pace suddenly slows – these are all subtle signs that tell you: Now they need your support.
The sooner you intervene, the more relaxed the situation will be for both of you. And by intervention, I don't mean "pulling the dog away" or "scolding it loudly." Rather, it means speaking calmly , seeking contact, offering an alternative course of action , perhaps taking a slight detour, maintaining distance —but with foresight, not out of fear.
Your behavior gives him guidance. If you remain confident, don't tense up, breathe, speak softly, and stay with him—then your dog will sense: "I don't have to solve this alone." And that feeling is worth its weight in gold.
So be his calming influence – not his amplifier.
Training ideas for relaxed dog encounters
Here are a few tried and tested approaches:
- Have your dog cross to the other side of the street early.
- Reward every look at you – not just the “perfect behavior” .
- Keep your distance and avoid encounters – this has a de-escalating effect.
- Lead your dog behind you or to your outside – you are his protection.
- Use clear signals like “Next” or “Look,” but without pressure.
And most importantly: Trust the process. Training requires repetition, but also calmness. Not every encounter has to be perfect—the main thing is that you stay connected.
Care as a training booster for impulse control
What many people don't realize is that daily grooming—especially dental care—can also help promote calmness and a willingness to cooperate . Your dog needs to relax, stay still, and allow closeness. This is exactly what's needed during dog encounters.
Our emmi-pet PRO is ideal for this. It works silently, without vibration, without friction – ideal for sensitive dogs or those with anxiety issues. Instead of getting upset, your dog can learn: "I can stay calm. Nothing bad will happen."
Rituals such as daily tooth brushing with our emmi-pet PRO help to establish precisely this behavior – in a gentle, holistic way.
What to do if it still crashes?
No matter how carefully you train, no matter how sensitively you accompany him, there will be times when your dog overreacts. When he suddenly barks, jumps on the leash, or gets worked up about a situation that overwhelms him. This isn't a catastrophe. This is everyday life. And most importantly, this is normal.
What matters in such moments is not that it happens – but how you deal with it.
If your dog gets loud, be quiet. If he lunges forward, stop. If he's tense, breathe deeply. Your behavior is his compass. And this compass should never be hectic, loud, or harsh.
Say little – or nothing at all. Because in stressful moments, silence can be more powerful than any command. Reduce your movement, slow your body language. And then: calmly lead your dog out of the situation. Without pulling the ripcord, without scolding. Perhaps with a slight detour, perhaps simply by moving on. What matters: that you stay present.
Never forget: A setback isn't a failure. It's a learning moment. For your dog—and for you, too. Maybe the gap was too short. Maybe the day was too busy. Maybe the stimulus was too much. And all of that is okay. Sometimes dogs just need more time. Sometimes we humans need a little longer to recognize patterns, too. What matters is that you stick with it—with each other, for each other.
Dog encounters are relationship moments
Leash encounters are far more than just behavioral training. They are mirrors. They show you how safe your dog feels with you. How much he orients himself toward you. How much he trusts you when things get tough. It's not about control. And certainly not about obedience. It's about connection.
When your dog feels, "My human sees me. He understands me. And I can be myself with him," then true cooperation develops. Then your dog doesn't have to bark, pull, or block. He can stay—with himself, with you. Because you guide him through the situation with a calm voice, a clear posture, and an open presence.
You are his safe frame. His calm voice. The hand he can rely on.
Routines that strengthen this trust are worth their weight in gold. Not just outside on the leash, but also at home. When feeding, when putting the leash on, and when grooming. Because grooming is also a relationship – especially when it's done without pressure, without coercion, and with gentle aids.
Our emmi-pet PRO is more than just a grooming product. It's a silent moment of connection. Dental care becomes wordless communication – calm, clear, trusting. And every time your dog stays calm during this routine, you tell him: "You can count on me. You're safe."
And perhaps that's precisely the greatest gift we can give our dogs: security. In care. In training. In everyday life. In encounters with others – and with themselves.
