3 Scripts for Handling Awkward Encounters on Walks

Written By Heather Thompson

Reactive dog guardians often default to people‑pleasing language because they feel judged, rushed, or socially pressured. Clear, concise communication reduces social‑evaluation stress (Dickerson & Kemeny, 2004) and helps guardians remain regulated during unexpected encounters.

Direct scripts also protect your dog’s threshold — the most important factor in preventing escalation (Hennessy et al., 2020). They give you control over distance, pace, and interaction without needing to justify your decisions.

These scripts are not rude.

Alternatively, you can be as blunt as you need to be. I am - and don’t often issue a please when asking people to recall or get their dogs, because my priority if my dogs and my clients dogs safety - not the other person’s feelings…

Silence also works excellently, your body language and moving away is sometimes more than enough, I have also included the ‘Heather’ version of each, which is super direct and blunt, and still probably more than I would actually bother with if I was by myself because I’m concentrating on Poppy.

Script 1: When a Dog Runs Up to Yours

This script prioritises speed, clarity, and distance.

The Script

“Please call your dog. Mine needs space.”
Heather’s version - Recall your Dog.

If they hesitate or ignore you: “I’m moving away now.”
Heather’s version - Recall, Now.

If they comment (“He’s friendly!”): “Space still works best for my dog.”
Heather’s version - That’s irrelevant.

Why This Works

  • “Please call your dog” is a clear instruction, not a negotiation.

  • “Mine needs space” is factual and neutral.

  • “I’m moving away now” ends the interaction and protects your dog’s threshold.

Script 2: When Someone Criticises Your Dog

Criticism activates social‑evaluation threat, increasing cortisol and reducing emotional regulation (Dickerson & Kemeny, 2004). This script neutralises judgement without engaging in debate.

The Script

If someone says, “You need to train your dog,” or “He shouldn’t behave like that”: “He’s having a stress response. I’m managing it.”
Heather’s Version - ‘...’

If they continue: “I’m focusing on my dog right now.”
Heather’s Version - ‘...’

If they push further: “I’m stepping away.”
Heather’s Version - Shut up or ‘eye roll’. (okay my one is a touch rude, but who cares, really?)

Why This Works

  • “Stress response” reframes behaviour through science, not morality.

  • “I’m focusing on my dog” shuts down conversation without hostility.

  • “I’m stepping away” is a boundary, not an argument.

Script 3: When Someone Wants to Interact With Your Dog

This script protects your dog’s emotional safety without apologising or over‑explaining.

The Script

If someone asks, “Can I say hello?”: “No, we don’t meet strangers.”
Heather’s Version - ‘No’

If they look disappointed: “We’re keeping things calm for him today.”
Heather’s Version - ‘...’

If they push (“He’ll be fine!”): “No — he’s not able to cope with that.”
Heather’s Version - ‘No’

Why This Works

  • “No, he doesn’t do greetings” is clear and final.

  • “Keeping things calm” is neutral and non‑defensive.

  • “He’s not able to cope with that” is factual and ends the discussion.


Why Direct Scripts Build Confidence

Direct scripts:

  • Reduce cognitive load

  • Prevent over‑explaining

  • Protect your dog’s threshold

  • Reduce social‑evaluation stress

  • Reinforce your authority

  • Close interactions quickly

  • Support emotional regulation

They help you stay grounded, predictable, and calm — which directly supports your dog’s ability to regulate (Hennessy et al., 2020).

References

  • Beerda, B., et al. (1998). Behavioural, saliva cortisol and heart rate responses to different types of stimuli in dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

  • Christiansen, S.B., et al. (2016). The burden of caring for animals with behavioural problems. Veterinary Record.

  • Dickerson, S.S., & Kemeny, M.E. (2004). Acute stressors and cortisol responses: a theoretical integration. Psychological Bulletin.

  • Hennessy, M.B., et al. (1997). Effects of predictable vs. unpredictable stressors on behaviour and physiology. Physiology & Behavior.

  • Hennessy, M.B., et al. (2020). Stress, fear, and anxiety in dogs: neurobiology and behaviour. Journal of Veterinary Behavior.

  • LeDoux, J. (2012). Rethinking the emotional brain. Neuron.

  • Overall, K. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats.

Heather Thompson
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The Loneliness of Reactive Dog Ownership: When Your World Quietly Shrinks