The Three-Second Rule: -Three seconds is the maximum amount of time an initial greeting should last. Three seconds is ‘one elephant, two elephants, three’ then space apart or walk away. If either of the dogs is showing signs that they are not comfortable during the three seconds, turn and walk away earlier. Do not force them to stay in that situation for the full three seconds. When walking away on the third second, allow your dog to process the short interaction that has just happened. Wait until both dogs have ‘forgotten’ about each other and can be distracted, then bring them back together. After several little meets using the three-second rule, both owners are better equipped with the information whether or not each other’s dogs are suitable to have a play with each other or not. In an ideal world, all greetings should take place like this, not just first time greets with new dogs. So remember you have three seconds. Use those three seconds to watch what your dog is trying to tell you.