For you, this natural personal space bubble is somewhere in the neighborhood of a foot or two (depending on your culture and heritage). For a highly domesticated species like the modern human, natural flight distance has been reduced over time as populations have increased and people have had to live in closer proximity (think big cities). So we can stand being pretty darn close to each other without getting uncomfortable, particularly if we are minding our own business (such as on a subway or in line). We just assume our dog’s sense of personal space is the same as ours. But it is not.

Most dogs have a flight distance of somewhere between seven and ten feet. Yes, that means that another person or dog is officially in your dog’s personal space bubble when they cross that invisible line. For dogs who are genetically domesticated to pet conditions, it can be a little less. But many dogs maintain this greater sense of personal space, and react strongly when it is invaded by other people and animals. We usually blame these dogs for acting out, unaware that their bubble has been popped.

Once you know about the bubble, you can navigate the neighborhood and greater world with your dog and avoid a thousand accidents simply by protecting that space. When you walk down the street, imagine a seven-foot bubble around you and your dog as you move along, and distance yourself from others in order to prevent them from popping it. If you don’t have enough room or time to create the distance, put yourself between your dog and the figurative needle.

Like the one-car-length rule many drivers practice to avoid rear-end collisions, this practice can help prevent a thousand uncomfortable moments for you and your dog. Understanding how his flight distance works will also help you appreciate how often your dog feels backed into a corner. So much of the time, when we might think his behavior is unwarranted, bizarre, or unprovoked, he is just naturally responding to the uncomfortable situations that we and others accidentally put him in. It’s your job to keep his bubble from getting popped, so keep your eyes on the road and be a defensive driver!

When you take your dog out into the world, you will be inundated by a host of well-intentioned fellow dog lovers who let their “friendly” dogs, children, and spouses pop the bubble of your dog’s personal space. Your dog will be expected not only to tolerate it, but to like it and to participate merrily in these interactions. Dogs who do not happen to fit the mold of these social pet customs we have adopted, and who protest in any way (barking, snarling, snapping, hiding) will be labeled as “bad” or in need of training or “fixing.” They are expected to learn how to let it all roll off of them whether they like it or not.