How to greet an unfamiliar dog?
Issac Trantow
2025-05-31 05:28:04
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When greeting a dog you don’t know or you’ve only met a couple of times so you’re not that familiar with each other, it’s really important to remember to ‘think dog’ and put yourself in their shoes. 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. Follow our three Cs of Canine Choice. 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.
Sheridan Wiegand
2025-05-31 04:51:11
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: 5
Do ask, first things first: Ask the dog’s guardian if it’s OK for you to approach. If not, that’s OK. Remember, every dog is different, and this one might not enjoy meeting other people—it’s nothing personal. Do behave in a nonthreatening manner, rather than approaching head on—which could be perceived as aggressive—assume a nonthreatening posture by keeping your side or back toward the dog. Some dogs are more apt to approach if you kneel or squat down. Do let the dog approach you, turn your side or back to Fido, and allow him to approach you. Be patient, he may sniff you, approach slowly, come right to you, hold his ground, or back away. Always take your cues from Fido, if he distances himself from you, that’s his choice. Never force your affections on a dog. Do proceed with caution when petting, if you have the guardian’s consent, and Fluffy seems amenable, gently pet her on the side of the face or body or on the back.
Manuel Maggio
2025-05-31 02:35:05
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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. If the answer is no, respect that and let the dog be. But what if the dog looks friendly and seems to be soliciting your attention? It’s still important to ask the owner. Let the Dog Approach 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. 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. Hold your hand in a fist so they can approach and sniff if they choose. Don’t thrust your hand at the dog.
Judah Ullrich
2025-05-31 01:23:21
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: 9
Always ask the owner if you want to greet an unfamiliar dog, as some dogs may be nervous, over-excited, or in training. Whether the dog is off or on-lead, it’s essential 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.
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. 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.
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. 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. Never go over a dog’s head first, as they cannot see your hand and may feel intimidated by this.
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