Why Off Leash Dogs Shouldn’t Approach On Leash Dogs in Vancouver

Vancouver is such a beautiful city to walk with our dogs. Whether you’re wandering through Kerrisdale’s quiet streets, enjoying the ocean air along the Seawall, or finding a peaceful moment in Pacific Spirit Park, it’s easy to feel like the whole city is built for dogs and the people who love them. But even in a place as dog friendly as ours, there’s one situation that can turn a calm walk into something tense: an off leash dog running up to a dog who’s on leash.

It often happens with the kindest intentions. A friendly dog sees another dog and simply wants to say hello. But when a dog is on leash, their world feels very different. They can’t move freely, they can’t create space, and they can’t soften or avoid an interaction the way they normally would. Even the gentlest dog can feel trapped when another dog rushes toward them without warning. That sense of being cornered is one of the most common reasons dogs bark, lunge, or react on walks. It isn’t misbehaviour, it’s discomfort.

And we never know what an on leash dog might be carrying that day. Some are recovering from surgery. Some are older and move slowly. Some are shy, overwhelmed, or still learning how to navigate the world. Some are incredibly social but only when they have the freedom to choose the interaction. A leash removes that choice, and choice is everything for a dog’s sense of safety.

Vancouver’s bylaws reflect this reality. Dogs must be on leash in most public spaces, and even in designated off leash areas, they’re expected to remain under control. That means staying close, responding to recall, and not approaching other dogs or people without permission. These rules aren’t about restricting joy, they’re about creating a city where every dog, confident or cautious, can enjoy their walk without fear of being overwhelmed.

When an off leash dog rushes up to an on leash dog, things can escalate quickly. The excited dog may simply want to play, but the on leash dog doesn’t have the ability to move away or soften the moment. Their owner often feels pressured to apologize or explain, even though they’ve done nothing wrong. These moments are avoidable, and avoiding them protects both dogs.

And yet, it still happens, often daily. So what can you do when you’re the one holding the leash and you see an off leash dog heading toward you?

The most important thing is to stay calm and grounded. Dogs read our bodies long before they hear our words. Stepping slightly to the side and creating a bit of space can help your dog feel less trapped. Keeping the leash loose, even when your instinct is to tighten it, can make a surprising difference. A tight leash communicates tension, and tension travels straight down the line into your dog’s body.

If the other dog is still approaching, using a warm, steady voice can help redirect the moment. Calling out something simple like “We need space, thank you” is often enough to alert the other owner without judgment or confrontation. Most people genuinely don’t realize their dog is creating pressure, and a gentle cue helps them step in. If the dog continues coming toward you, placing your body slightly in front of your dog, not in a protective, confrontational way, but in a soft, curved stance, can signal to the approaching dog that this isn’t the right time for a greeting. Many dogs understand that body language far better than words.

If the dog does reach you, turning your dog’s head slightly away and guiding them into a small arc can help them feel less cornered. You’re not pulling them back, you’re simply giving them a different direction to focus on. It’s a subtle shift, but it often diffuses the intensity of the moment.

What makes Vancouver’s dog community so special is how much we genuinely care about one another. Most people aren’t trying to cause stress, they simply don’t realize how different the experience feels from the other side. A little awareness goes such a long way. Calling your dog back, giving space, or asking if a greeting is okay can completely change the tone of a walk. It allows shy dogs to feel safe, confident dogs to stay polite, and owners to breathe a little easier.

At the heart of it, this isn’t about blame. It’s about kindness. It’s about recognizing that every dog has their own story, their own boundaries, and their own comfort level. When we honor that, we create a city where all dogs from the bold explorers to the gentle souls, can enjoy their walks with confidence.

Vancouver becomes a calmer, more compassionate place when we give each other space. And our dogs feel that ease in every step.