How do you greet a dog safely?

ALWAYS ASK THE OWNER Some dogs may be nervous, over-excited, or in training. Whether the dog is off or on-lead, it’s important that you ask the owner for permission first. If you see a dog tied up outside a shop with no owner in sight, then it’s best to leave the dog be. KEEP CALM Don’t stare, shout at, or loom over a dog – all these things can seem confrontational to a dog, which might cause them to react or be afraid. Approach side on in a calm, gentle manner. To approach a dog appropriately: If it’s a small dog crouch down to the dog’s level. Always have one foot flat on the ground so you’re able to quickly get up if needed. For a larger dog approach side on with your hands by your side and encourage the dog towards you if they are comfortable. EASY DOES IT Allow the dog to approach and sniff your hand without reaching your hand out to them. If the dog is comfortable being in your space and showing relaxed body language, you can try to stroke them. Gently reach out with the back of your hand and stroke the dog’s shoulders, chest or under their chin, which most dogs enjoy. KNOW THE SIGNS If when you’re approaching a dog they start to turn away or look tense, it’s very likely that they are not comfortable having you in their space. It’s best to stop if the dog displays any signs that they’re uncomfortable.

Always take a moment to decide if you really need to stroke the dog. Remember they may be busy playing with their owner, having a bad day or happy going about their business. Check. Always ask the owner if it’s OK to stroke the dog. If the owner isn’t around – perhaps the dog is tied up outside a shop, or is a little bit further behind the dog on a walk – don’t approach the dog or say hello until you’ve spoken to the owner and they have given you permission to do so. Call the dog to you by patting your legs gently and saying hello. This gives the dog a choice in whether they want to be stroked or not. If the dog comes over to you, you can stroke their shoulder nearest to you. Count three strokes on their shoulder and then stop, giving the dog the choice to move away if they wish. Tip: Even if the owner has said it’s ok to say hello, remember to check the dog’s body language is happy and relaxed before you go ahead. Always be calm, quiet and move slowly around pets. If the dog turns or moves away from you, they’re telling you they’d rather you didn’t stroke them just now, so it’s time to stop. Respect their choice to not interact.

You should always ask permission from a dog’s owner before greeting their dog. Something as simple as, “Can I say hello to your dog?” will do the trick. If the answer is no, respect that and let the dog be. All too often, well-meaning people press on after a no, which can be unsafe. First, the owner’s concern was for their dog, not for you. Once you’ve asked for the owner’s permission, it’s time to ask for the dog’s. Rather than sticking your hand in the dog’s face or reaching out for pets, wait for the dog to come to you. If the dog approaches you, they are saying they want to meet you. To make yourself appear as friendly as possible, turn your body slightly to the side and look at the dog with your peripheral vision. You can also kneel down to the dog’s level so you aren’t looming overhead. However, if you are in any way uncertain about the dog, stay standing. Dogs don’t shake hands like people do, they use their nose to say hello, so hold your hand in a fist so they can approach and sniff if they choose.