Ask what the behaviour means
Distance, barking, freezing, hiding or overexcitement can reflect novelty, scent, movement, pain, fear or previous learning.
Look at the person’s response
Do they listen? Give space? Follow instructions? Become defensive? Their response to a boundary can tell you more than the dog’s first reaction.
Protect the dog
Use separation and professional support where necessary. A dog should not repeatedly endure stressful meetings to prove that a relationship can work.
Keep human evidence central
Assess honesty, consistency, respect and behaviour over time. Dogs are sensitive observers, not supernatural lie detectors.
Bailey’s Tip: Good dog-aware dating protects the dignity and comfort of the person, the dog and everybody else sharing the space.