How to Safely Greet a Dog You Don’t Know

Not all dogs want to be approached by strangers. Like us, people, dogs have rules too!

However, unlike us, dogs can’t tell you if they would rather you left them alone. They rely on their owner to protect or speak for them from unwanted attention.  Pet owners are either unaware, unknowledgeable or away to do this for them.  Thus, accidents happen!

Not because you are a dog lover or a dog owner, you can always at anytime approach, touch a dog.  For a dog, you’re still a stranger.  A frightened or reactive dog isn’t going to suddenly change their emotional state just because of how friendly you are. You could end up bitten by a dog that feels threatened by your unwelcome intrusion.

Even people with the best intentions make mistakes when greeting dogs, they don’t know. Keep these tips in mind, and you’re likely to have a lot more furry friends:

  1. Ask the owner, get his or her permission. It’s not enough to read the dog’s body language, there could be many reasons why the owner would prefer you stay back.

 

  1. Allow the dog to approach you. Let the dog decide whether or not they’d like to meet you.

 

  1. Greet With Dog-Appropriate Actions. Once the dog approaches, it’s finally time to greet them.
    • Avoid direct eye contact and staring.
    • Don’t come in from overhead or directly behind a dog. Turn slightly sideways or crouch down.
    • Don’t encourage bad behavior.
    • Learn how to read dog body language.
      • A happy dog wanting to be touched
        • An open mouth
        • Relaxed ears
        • “Soft” eyes
        • Loose body with a loose wagging tail
        • Will approach you for interaction, leaning on you or seeking out touch
      • A dog who is unsure about or might not enjoy being pet might show
        • Closed mouth
        • Lip licking
        • Obvious blinking
        • Turning their head away
        • Ears pinned back against their head
        • Wide eyes with the whites showing
        • Trying to back away from you or hide
    • Use Caution with dogs on the Loose. Let them come to you and keep your body language calm and non-threatening.

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