(and Why Our Answer Is About Safety)
If you’re a dog parent, you’ve probably heard it before — or at least felt the tension around it.
Someone approaches.
A hand reaches out.
Another dog gets closer.
And then the question comes:
“Does your dog bite?”
At Praline’s Backyard Dog Services, our walkers hear this question regularly when out on walks with our clients’ dogs. It’s almost always asked casually, kindly, and without bad intention.
But our answer is always the same.
All dogs bite — given the right situation.
And that’s why we don’t allow greetings.
Not because your dog is aggressive.
Not because something is “wrong.”
But because professional dog care is about prevention, not reaction.
Why This Question Comes Up So Often
Most people ask “Does your dog bite?” because they want to be friendly.
They want to:
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Say hello
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Let their dog meet yours
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Pet a cute dog on the sidewalk
What they don’t realize is that on-leash greetings are one of the most common places dog bites happen — even with dogs that are normally calm, social, and well-loved.
Dogs don’t experience the world the way we do.
They communicate through space, movement, and body language.
And when those signals are missed, even a good dog can react.
What “All Dogs Bite” Really Means (And What It Doesn’t)
Let’s be clear.
Saying “all dogs bite” does not mean:
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Your dog is dangerous
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Your dog is unpredictable
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Your dog can’t be trusted
It means something much simpler — and much more honest.
Dogs:
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Have teeth
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Have boundaries
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Have limits
Biting is not a personality trait.
It’s a stress response.
A dog may bite when:
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They feel trapped on leash
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Another dog rushes into their space
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A stranger reaches suddenly
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Their warning signs are ignored
That doesn’t make them bad.
It makes them dogs.
Why We Don’t Allow Greetings on Walks
At Praline’s Backyard Dog Services, our walkers do not allow:
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Dog-to-dog greetings
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On-leash introductions
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Strangers petting client dogs
This policy is non-negotiable — and intentional.
Here’s why:
1. Leashes Remove Choice
On leash, a dog cannot create distance if they’re uncomfortable. That lack of choice increases stress.
2. Body Language Gets Missed
Most people don’t recognize early stress signals like:
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Stiff posture
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Whale eye
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Lip licking
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Turning the head away
By the time a growl or snap happens, the dog has already tried to communicate.
3. “Friendly” Isn’t a Guarantee
Two friendly dogs can still misunderstand each other — especially when restrained.
4. Our Job Is Calm, Not Chaos
A successful walk isn’t exciting.
It’s uneventful.
Calm dogs.
Predictable routes.
Zero incidents.
That’s the goal.
What Professional Dog Walking Looks Like
A hobby walker might say:
“He’s friendly — it’s okay!”
A professional walker says:
“We don’t do greetings.”
That difference matters.
Professional walking means:
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Managing space
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Reading the environment
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Advocating for the dog
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Saying “no” when needed
It’s not about being rude.
It’s about being responsible.
Why This Matters for Busy Dog Parents
As a busy Atlanta dog parent, you’re trusting us with more than just a walk.
You’re trusting us with:
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Your dog’s safety
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Your reputation as a responsible owner
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Your peace of mind
You shouldn’t have to worry about:
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Someone petting your dog without permission
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Another dog rushing yours
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A preventable incident changing your dog’s behavior
Boundaries protect everyone — including you.
The Kind of Dog We’re Walking For
Some dogs:
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Love other dogs
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Love people
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Love attention
Others:
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Prefer space
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Like quiet
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Need predictability
Neither is wrong.
Our job isn’t to force socialization.
It’s to honor the dog in front of us.
What Success Actually Looks Like
Success isn’t proving your dog is friendly.
Success is:
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No close calls
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No stress signals
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No surprises
A good walk ends the same way it started — calm.
And that’s how dogs build confidence.
The Bigger Picture: Prevention Is Love
Most dog bites don’t happen because someone was careless.
They happen because someone was well-meaning.
Prevention isn’t fear-based.
It’s respectful.
And respect is one of the greatest forms of care we can offer dogs.
Final Thought for Dog Parents
If your dog has ever been labeled:
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“Shy”
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“Sensitive”
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“Independent”
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“Not a dog park dog”
You’re not alone.
There is nothing wrong with your dog.
And there is nothing wrong with choosing boundaries.
At Praline’s Backyard Dog Services, we walk dogs the way they deserve to be walked — with calm, intention, and safety leading the way.