The Invisible Bubble of Pressure and Your Dog #22

We’re talking about pressure and dogs. It’s not the sort of pressure to make sure your dog’s leash matches the collar, or for your dog to be looking good in front of your friends. It’s the bubble of pressure that surrounds all dogs. This sort of pressure is essential to understand for your dog’s comfort and everyone’s safety around dogs. It will also help you become a great communicator with every dog you meet.
🐾 Key Episode Moments:
00:00 Your dog’s personal space and why to respect it.
01:54 Dogs have socially acceptable distances they prefer.
03:43 The bubble between you and any dog.
04:44 Moving towards and away from a dog.
07:03 When dogs greet humans.
07:48 The myth and mistake of jamming a hand in a dog’s face to sniff.
08:21 Dogs don’t have to be friendly to strangers.
08:36 Don’t assume all dogs enjoy being touched.
08:50 Ask, “Does your dog like greeting other people?” Not, “Can I pet your dog?”
09:50 How my dogs greet people with permission.
10:11 It’s the dog’s choice to close the personal space.
11:11 Don’t pat dogs on the top of their heads.
13:31 Advocate for your dog if they don’t enjoy “close talkers.”
14:26 How to properly greet a dog.
In the episode you'll hear:
• My explanation on how the interweb fairies work.
• About me being a hugger and our individual socially acceptable space.
• How all dogs respond to pressure.
• Why knowing about a dog’s bubble is important for safety.
• The reason running towards your dog is counter productive.
• About the fictional world of greeting dogs and what the facts are.
• What to ask instead of “can I pat your dog?”
• How the location can expand the bubble for your dog.
• Why it’s okay if your dog does not greet everyone.
Resources:
• Podcast Episode 4: T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/Ears, Mouth, Posture) - • T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/E...
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Dogs That is brought to you by Susan Garrett and the Say Yes Dog Training Team.
Susan Garrett’s interest in animal behaviour started at the University of Guelph where she earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science. Since then she has developed into a preeminent dog trainer and canine sports instructor and competitor. Susan is one of the most successful agility competitors of the last three decades. She has won multiple Gold Medals at National or World Championship events with every dog she has ever owned over the past 30 years.
A natural teacher and an entertaining speaker, Susan is world renowned as a leading educator of dog trainers. Her understanding of how to apply science-based learning principles to both competitive and family pet dog training has been pivotal in changing how dogs are trained.
Susan is now helping many thousands of dog owners in 82 countries have the best relationship possible with their dogs. The real joy for her comes from bringing confidence to dogs and their owner through playful interactions and relationship building games that are grounded firmly in the science of how animals learn.
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[@BellasAdventures420]

A lot of kids parents should show this video to their kids because a lot of kids need to know this and adults as well.
I have had a lot of kids try to run up to me and ask if they can pet my dog you can already tell she is tense/freezes sometimes but I encourage her to keep walking with me and the kids normally stop but if they don’t. she will try to chase them away then the kids will get scared.
The kids however at the dog park are more proper. when we are at the dog park. She’s a whole different dog.

[@lilyovalley2485]

Thank you for talking about the invisible bubble! I have used it several times already and it works!

[@carynrobson7299]

I am a hugger and so is my dog. He has what I lovingly call "Excessive Greeting Disorder". 😁❤

[@lins_z2]

I’m not a huger, and my dog is just like me. I don’t like people touching me, except if I feel comfortable with them, which are not many. I think my puppy got it from me somehow? His personal space is huge to everyone, including family in the house, except for me. We’ve worked on it slowly, and definitely he shows more progress to people that respect his space, and that he’s fearful and anxious, compared to people that just do what they want, or don’t consider his body language (even when it’s obvious). The most obnoxious people are the ones that ask me if they can pet my dog or if my dog is aggressive. I tell them he’s shy and doesn’t like people, and they will still try. He’ll back away, and I’ll repeat, he doesn’t like people, he won’t come to you. Stupidly, 99% of the people who didn’t listen the first time, won’t listen a second time either. Like dude, if my dog doesn’t like people, he won’t come even if you do stupid silly noises!! Wish people had more consideration of a dog space, but in reality, a lot of people don’t even have consideration of people’s space. Saddest part of our situation, is that my mother is that kind of people and my dog absolutely hates her. Not that dogs really “Hate” people, but because she never respects him and never tries to read any of the signs, he’ll grow and bark at her the loudest of them all and won’t let her have a word in. But she won’t listen to me, who is the trainer 🤷‍♂️. She just yells that my dog is the stupidest and most useless dog, when in fact he’s the smartest one I’ve ever met. He’s a 6 months old husky!

[@attheranch873]

I adopted a dog recently who is like this. He’s a Chihuahua mix and he’s great with me, but he doesn’t like people reaching toward him. His family rehomed him because when his guardian had a baby, he got more and more stressed and bit the baby. They thought it was jealousy or possessiveness. But there are never any children here and He has a large space bubble that I’m learning to deal with. Thanks for this.

[@sofia_fadadosdogs]

I love how informative and funny your podcasts are!!!! The editing is hilarious 😂

[@ammi_10]

I learned this when I first learned to work with horses.

[@petrawestbury5023]

What gets right up my nose, is when dog owners think they have the right, that there dog can come right up to my dogs face, with no respect. Like the new greeting approach, will try it. Their are dog breeds that just don't jell with certain breeds. Dog owners should respect other dogs space, no matter how friendly their dog is.

[@theamziss]

Woah very interesting podcast. My dog must be a bit of an outlier in that he barely has a bubble (or it's a greyhound thing.) He wouldn't even look up if a stranger would suddenly hug him from behind or walk over his bed or put their hands in his bowl. Nail clipping, no problem, he'll fall asleep as I do it. I've even been able to chip off plaque from his teeth while he lied down motionless and squinted his eyes in peace. We were so carefull not to 'break his trust' the first few years we had him, that we now sometimes think we were overly carefull as he doesn't really seem to mind anything. But on the other hand it might be precisely because of us being so carefull around him that he completely trusts us to not hurt him or make him uncomfortable. When my dog gives even the slightest hint of discomfort I stop what I'm doing and give him space. This trust, that a human will stop what they're doing when he shows a sign of discomfort, actually has made his bubble smaller because he just assumes nothing bad will happen. I also think him having had multiple friendly caretakers, trainers and eventually owners (us) has made him to be very accepting of strangers. Also us living in a very small appartment may have gotten him used to everyone and everything moving around eachother in close quarters. A lot of dogs these days are raised and trained by one person only, which makes sense because you don't want others or your non-dog-savvy SO to 'ruin' your puppy, but I do think this could make your dog overly attached to you. To the point that they refuse to being taken care of, trained, fed, walked, etc. by strangers.

[@wildhorses6817]

And, always ask people because it is uncomfortable for some people to be hugged by a stranger too 🤗

[@diannebeswitherick7140]

Thank you so much for this episode. My dog is very nervous around kids and is apprehensive around most adults until he is familiar with them and can greet them on his own terms. I’ve tried for many years to change that and have listened to many different trainers advice on this. But your podcast makes the most sense for this. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@indythedancinghovawart4883]

Thank you for this episode! Once a man decided to start scratching my dog's belly out of the blue, while we were talking. I was actually frozen because my dog doesn't like to be touched by strangers - fortunately he decided to let him do it but I felt so bad about it because I could see that he was uncomfortable. When I told him no to do that, he said their dog used to love it... OMG...!

[@rosamancuso2740]

I have two dogs. One of them is confortable with us hugging him and he loves to get close to people.The other one will let us hug him but I can tell he is not comfortable. He will also won’t get close to strangers. He is a rescue, now that makes so much sense. He is getting to be a lot more social than he was when he first came to our home though. Either way, they are both loved and appreciate it.

[@kerryeberhart9567]

I'm listening for at least the 2nd time through all of the podcasts in the past few days. Funny I'm listening to this one tonight. Sapphire and I were out on the property (20 acres) about 1/2 hour ago and she went 100 miles an hour after some birds and came running towards me. The neighbor's dogs are on our property frequently because they are not fenced or trained. I didn't see the dog (matches the color of grass right now) until Sapphire was coming back to me and got distracted by this dog. I remembered from our training and podcasts that running after her would not be effective so I started walking towards the house and called her. She came to me and I gave her a treat and praised her and continued on home. Thanks for arming me with the effective training I need to keep my 8mo pup safe!!

[@diannefraser3595]

Thanks Susan, we have been putting pressure on our new rescue, but will now follow your advice ❤❤❤

[@janegilbert9851]

Another great podcast. I’m a hugger, my dog a rescue is more reserved. Once he gets to know new people he loves to bring them closer into his bubble, but it always has to be at his speed.

[@karlawilson1032]

LOL yes I remember the “Close Talkers” episode! Love your replacement question for “Can I pet your dog?” Another five ⭐️s for this episode. Also five ⭐️s for the special effects added to video! Watching AND listening... double fun!

[@tammystruthers9928]

I've instinctively held my hand out from a distance and waited for the dog to come to me (at least a couple feet away if not more). If the dog didn't approach I didn't force. Thanks for explaining why this works.

[@Blowinshiddup]

Restigouche SPCA in northern NB shared this to their FB page, that's how I found this. Shout out to them!

[@kathleenoconnor3314]

It is I am learning lots and my dog is having so much fun

[@DogsThat]

Thank you for watching! You are in the perfect place to have fun while learning

[@margareth8352]

Lol great lessons. Will be playing this and other videos here at the dog daycare where I work for one particular lady who is absolutely determined to approach every dog that shows up and “cuddle” or pick them up if they’re small. She doesn’t want to listen when told otherwise. Thank you.

[@illustratormago]

So that you know, I instantly enjoy your videos! You are funny, intelligent, and a hugger!!??? Who could ask for more! Signed, your latest subscriber and her reactive 15 month old gsd

[@DogsThat]

Thank you! We're glad to have you both in our community! ❤️🐾

[@dianesullivan4511]

Perfect - so we’ll explained! Love!❤️ Yep, I’m a hugger too.😍

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

I have a question. My almost 3 year old Dobe asks to be petted then just snaps, like cut it out. Why? Why is he doing that,? It's usually something you see in small dogs - almost like a split personality.

[@tracyadams4598]

So well said, and this is also true of people’s own dogs, I keep telling my husband leave the dogs alone if they are settled in their beds/baskets as I can see they are only tolerating i his affections, but he doesn’t quite believe me .
Will make sure he sees this. Thank you .

[@marionwehrman5924]

I am a hugger too❤

[@DogsThat]

🧸

[@trishbech9082]

I never knew dogs had a bubble and this makes so much sense!!!! Thank You again Susan for helping us all understand the world of dog communication; always being respectful to them as much as we expect the dogs to respect us! I remember that Seinfeld episode Haha. Great analogy! Now I will always be able to remember this advice! 😂

[@TeeyaMareeya]

Another insightful and helpful video. My older lab loves everyone and will happily greet everyone, whereas my younger lab is more reserved when people approach her, but once they act disinterested that's when she wants to approach.
I've said it before, but i just absolutely adore your personality, you are a breath of fresh air and you can really tell the extent of your passion for dogs and their welfare when you speak. You are such an inspiration. (is this too much fangirling? lol)

[@jbruner82]

I don’t always pet a strange dog but I have been making the mistake of putting my hand out to sniff I don’t put it in their face I leave a good distance for the dog to decide if it wants to approach and sniff

[@user-eu9zl5nj9z]

Am working my way through these podcast and I just want to say thank you. So much awesome information and you bring so much joy !

[@freebirdofparadise]

I can not figure out why my rescue pup will excitedly close that gap with strangers coming in our home or back yard…but then bark, growl and be extremely nervous. It’s confusing. And it’s been 2 yrs of classes, books, exercise, play, lick mats, kongs, naps, walks, crates, gates, snuffle mats, chew bones, supplements …. Pergatory. 😓

[@jeanwilson1014]

Love to hug

[@debbiegoodman5174]

Good podcast heres a hug for you

[@annfry9072]

Dogs respond to pressure - there exists an invisible air bubble between you and each dog that you meet. Just like with humans there's an appropriate socially acceptable distance. If you step or lean towards a dog, you are putting pressure on that dog. Gem: Instead of asking can I pet your dog? Ask: Does your dog like to greet other people? I love this as it ensures you don't make the person who is on the other end of the leash feel bad should they not have a dog who likes to be greeted / pet. Gem: Always remember it should be the dog's choice to make their pressure bubble smaller. When greeting a dog, should that dog back away, that should be their choice too, so leave them be. Always keeping an eye out for their T.E.M.P. Always take steps to help build your dog's confidence - it deepens the bond and the trust your dog has. Sending hugs to the Serial Hugger from Linux's Mom. Someday I hope to watch Susan at Nationals. It would be fantastic to take a dog training session in person. You have excellent presentation and such great ideas for training.

[@karenbavier1588]

thank you for this!

[@tricialebanno4437]

How do you tactfully ask/tell people "please don't - fill in the blank of grab/pat/approach - my dog? I know people who you say something, and they say Oh don't worry, dogs love me! Not always, fella!

[@nancyhooper1742]

Totally subscribed from the beginning and definitely a serial hugger, I hug anybody 😁😁 But have to remember to ask for dog to greet me for im one of those people who sees a bostie or cute dog, will ask if can pet and then i am kissing them if the dog likes it, can't help myself ❤❤❤❤⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@lisasteinhauer1328]

Love this episode. I have a dog that has a big bubble & so many people just want to get in her bubble to pet her. You have gave me a new way of telling them she's not a hugger that doesn't make her out to be a mean dog. Thank you!