It's all in the approach

As a dog owner, you have the opportunity to educate others how to say hello to your dog properly.  Most people mean well but often get in a dog's face and that can turn dangerous in an instant. We can all help to avoid these unfortunate interactions by educating others. Until then dogs will continue to be blamed every time. Keep in mind that dog's react, they don't premeditate. So we have to take some responsibility for their actions.

A few simple rules can make all the difference.

Let a dog smell you

 

Dogs first learn about you with their nose. So the best approach is no approach, especially with a dog you don't know. Ignoring a dog might seem rude to you but it's not to a dog. It's actually more respectful then bombarding them. Simply let the dog come to you and smell you. Remember that if you present your hand for sniffing, make sure your fingers are safely tucked or pointed downward.

Even dog owners are sometimes guilty of approaching a dog the wrong way, even when they know better. That is because people who have dogs generally love dogs and want to meet and interact with them. Add a puppy to the mix and all good judgement tends to go out the window. How many people have you seen ignoring a puppy and waiting for them to approach?

Petting

Many dogs are uncomfortable with a stranger's hand going up over their head. It can be taken as a challenge or a threat. So never go for a dog's head that you just met. The best places to pet a dog are the chest, side or chin. Petting under the chin can even boost the confidence of an insecure or shy dog. Why? Because petting under the chin raises the head higher and that raises confidence. The same goes for a dog's tail. The higher it is, the more confident the dog. 

Tone

The pitch you use should vary and depend on the dog you encounter and what you are trying to achieve. Your tone of voice can affect a dog's state of mind. A really high pitch tone can create excitement but bring that down a notch and it can be encouraging and friendly. A lower more stern tone usually signifies that you mean business and will command more attention and respect. Whatever the tone you use, keep it at a normal volume.

Unfamiliar Dogs

In general you should never approach an unfamiliar dog. If you do encounter one wandering around and are unsure, you can do the following:

• turn your body sideways
• avoid eye contact
• keep your arms by your side
• remain calm

You can also tell the dog to "Stay" or "Go home" in a stern lower pitch tone if you feel confident.

As a general rule never approach a dog, familiar or unfamiliar to you that is:

• working
• sleeping
• eating
• chained up
• behind a fence
• fearful
• aggressive
• barking
• growling

And keep in mind that a dog's tail wagging is not always a sign of friendship. Be careful if the tail is high, stiff and wagging fast.