"As a new dog owner I've noticed two common dynamics when dogs meet each other on a walk. Some dogs will become either very excited or upset about the other dog and pull their owner towards the other dog or start barking and yapping. In the other response, a dog may take notice of the other dog, and then return to sniffing or observing phenomena on its own path."
"To a dog owner, the preferred response is no doubt the latter. An indifferent dog does not yank or pull on the owner. The owner does not have restrain the dog from jumping or attacking. And finally, the dog owner does not have to remain vigilant when out on a walk, preparing for reactive responses at any moment. An indifferent dog,"
"These two types of dog reactions are very instructive for us as humans, particularly in our emotional relationship to others. Like dogs, we can be reactive, defensive and protective, activating our "fight" response when faced with an irritating colleague, a frustrating spouse, or a persistent family member. Think too about our relationship with social media and the internet, engaging with content that is algorithmically-incentivised to push our buttons."
Two distinct dog behaviors appear during encounters: reactive dogs become excited, pull, bark, or lunge, while indifferent dogs notice other dogs and return to their own activities. Indifferent dogs reduce owner strain, risk of altercation, and the need for constant vigilance, making walks calmer and safer. Humans mirror these dynamics through emotional reactivity in relationships and online interactions, often triggering fight responses with colleagues, partners, or algorithmic social media content. Cultivating indifference can interrupt cycles of conflict and allow space for empathy rather than escalation. Canine indifference serves as a practical model for reducing emotional animation and improving relational outcomes.
Read at Psychology Today
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