New Study on Dog Walking Behaviors
By Joe Wilkes
Mendel University, located in Brno, Czech Republic, recently completed a study of almost 2,000 dogs interacting with other dogs during their walks. The observers noted the size, age, and gender of the dog as well as the gender of the owner and whether the dog was on or off leash during the walk. They discovered one of the most telling variables was the gender of the walker. Dogs who were walked by males showed aggressive behavior toward other dogs (such as biting or threatening) four times as much as other dogs. Additionally dogs who were walked off leash were half as likely to be aggressive as dogs who were on leash.
The on-leash dogs were believed to be frustrated to be prohibited by the leash to circle around the other dogs and sniff them using the typical canine greeting. Without the ability to determine whether the new dog is friend or foe, they might take an aggressive posture as if to say “I don’t know who you are, but don’t mess with me or my human.” Meanwhile off-leash dogs also were more likely to play with each other, with female dogs being more playful than males, which was attributed to their genetic predisposition to play with their own puppies.
So why did dogs behave more aggressively when walked by men and what can men do to keep their dogs from freaking out on their walks? The study admitted that part of the discrepancy between male and female walkers may be specific to the region of the study, where culturally men are believed to be more aggressive in their training of their dogs and so the dogs behave more aggressively when with them.
What can be applied to all cultures however is the behavior of the humans during the walk. Dogs tend to mirror human moods and behaviors and if they sense that their human is wary of oncoming dogs and walkers, they’ll go into alert mode as well. Women tend to smile and greet other people on the walk, creating a friendly vibe that reassures their pets that no threat is at hand. Men, on the other hand, are more prone to not even make eye contact with fellow dog walkers, let alone greet them or smile. Dogs can interpret this masculine aloofness as a cause for concern and preemptively strike against the new dog in the picture.
The Solution to Dog Aggression?
By creating a calm and assertive energy on the walk, your dog should be less inclined to be aggressive to other dogs you meet along the way. It’s important not to show any signs of anxiety or hostility that your dog might pick up on. Behave toward your fellow walkers and their dogs with friendly exchanges, whether verbal (a simple hello) or nonverbal (a smile or a nod), so your dog understands these intruders on your walk aren’t threats.
And even if the other dog is behaving threateningly or erratically, you can calmly and firmly control your dog, so the dog knows you’re in charge—the pack leader— and everything is under control and there is no need for either of you to get involved with the crazy dog and it’s okay to just ignore him and pass by and enjoy the rest of your walk.
