Why doesn't my dog trainer like the dogs saying hello to each other in class?

(And yes, we do know you all do it outside where you think we can't see!)

Personally I feel very different about onlead greetings than I once did. I used to avoid it completely. It's really stressful for dogs as we remove their ability to avoid conflict. However it's really hard to avoid it all the time and these days I prefer to help my dogs feel comfortable if it does happen.

But unless instructed otherwise a class is not the place for it.

• There may be a sensitive dog that enjoys training classes but doesn't like other dogs in it's face.

• A normally social dog may just be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the new environment and could act out of character.

• If you are attending a specific puppy or adolescent class remember these are young possibly hormonal dogs that may lack the social skills to understand their playful advances are intimidating the other dog.

• There are lots of treats about. Dogs can be guardy and get into conflict.

• Sometimes personalities just clash. On the rare occasion dogs are asked to interact in class your trainer will have thought long and hard about which dog to pair with which and why.

• Leads can get tangled and dogs get hurt. Worst still they might think the other dog caused the pain and a fight may break out or they may become fearful of dogs.

• You might have a socially savvy dog and able to read your dog. But what about the person at the end of the other lead, can you be sure they will recognise when to bail out if things start to go wrong.

Here's the big one. Even if the dogs love each other and just want to play you set unrealistic expectations. How can you expect your dog to offer you their full attention when they really want to play with the dog sat opposite you. Dogs are distracted and guardians get downhearted because they feel like the dog can't concentrate. You may even feel embarrassed if your dog gets frustrated and distrupts the class by barking.

I'm not the fun police. I just want you to be successful and enjoy your classes. I want you to be safe.

I've seen serious conflict from normally social dogs when owners have ignored this advice. Please think carefully about why we run our classes the way we do.