Picking your brains for tips when meeting other dogs..

I think I may be overthinking things when it comes to us passing other dogs on lead or meeting offlead dogs (we have not let Dexter off lead yet I want to make sure he will come back first ).

I know it is important for me to stay relaxed when we are out, but the couple of times an off lead dog has shown interest I find I do get a little worried and I'm unsure whether to allow the interaction (I know it's important for him to socialise and feel good about other dogs) or if I do for how long? I don't want to be continually taking him away from new friends, but I also don't want to miss a signal and have a scrap happening.

I feel very confident with everything else so far, I just need a wee bit of advice so I can get this right as much as is humanly possible at any rate.

Let them have a play together if the intro's go OK. They will know when they have had enough as they will just walk away from each other, usually.

Thanks Kathy

Most people I've met aren't in the mood for letting their dog play with mine so often it'll just be a quick dog-hello, but if both dogs want to play and the owner is OK with it, I'll let them. It differs owner to owner I guess.

Here is a link that will help you with body language. It's best they are exposed to as many dogs and people as possible and the more frequent the better.

http://staffy-bull-terrier.co.uk/dogbodylanguage.html

Thank you, yeah we definitely want him making friends. Getting a bit fed up with the wary glances of some other dog owners though, it's a little frustrating tbh. I think I may get a t-shirt that says "Google Staffies, you might learn something"