How to Introduce Yourself to Your Dog
Dogs are the best people, so it’s natural to want to smother them with affection the first time you greet them. Most of them are too good to say, but this is actually a terrible way to introduce themselves to the dog. Here’s the best way to make a good first impression.
Dogs are a lot like us: they usually don’t want to be hugged by strangers. If someone did the same to you, it would probably make you uncomfortable and even make you feel insecure. The Well-Heeled Dog’s training resources bear this out:
Children (and adults too) often want to show love for dogs in the same way we show love for each other through hugs and kisses. Dogs naturally do not understand this and do not even get pleasure from it. Hugging and personal contact can be very dangerous for dogs.
In the video above, Christine of Indy in the Hood explains the Do’s and Don’ts when meeting a dog for the first time. Here are the basics.
To learn more about treating pets, watch the video below:
Approach the Owner: When you see a dog you want to meet or meet a friend’s dog for the first time, ignore the dog and talk to the owner instead. The dog looks at its owner for emotional cues, and if the dog sees that its owner is comfortable with you, the dog will most likely be comfortable with you too. Plus it’s just polite – some people don’t want you to choke their dogs either.
Stand side by side with the dog: Instead of walking directly towards the dog, stand side by side and let the dog come closer to you. (If you’re having problems rendering, you can see how it’s done in the video.)
Avoid Eye Contact: Eye contact can be dangerous for dogs, so it’s best to find a neutral place to focus on. Indy in the Hood offers a dog’s chest area.
Smell them: With a fist clenched, let the dog smell so he can appreciate your scent. (A closed hand is less dangerous than an open hand.) If the dog sniffs and seems to agree with you, you can probably stroke the shoulder, chest, or neck, which is less dangerous than stroking the top of the dog’s head or head. butt.
If the dog backs away from you when you approach him, you obviously want to stop what you are doing and move on. It’s just not what you are. Dogs will give you a sign when they are done communicating with you, so be careful: if the dog moves or even turns away from you, you and the dog are interested in you saying goodbye and moving on.
How to read your dog’s body language
Keep in mind that even if your dog seems calm when you choke him with love, many will just tolerate it, and some may even bite or snap you if you get too close. Even your own dog may not want hugs or physical affection. Dogs don’t hesitate to let you know if they want attention – you just need to know what signs to look out for.This video from Union Lake Veterinary Hospital in Michigan gives you a checklist of warning signs for when a puppy doesn’t feel available at the moment, but here are some basics:
- Tail Up: Not all tail wagging is happy wagging. If the tail wags slowly and firmly, the dog is probably alert and not agitated. And if the tail is drawn in and wagging, this is a sign of fear and submission.
- Ears Position: If a dog’s ears are erect and facing forward, they may be interested or aggressive. When the ears are pressed to the head, they are afraid or submissive.
- Side Eye: If the dog shows white parts of the eyes, this is a common sign of stress.
And there are times when you meet a dog that is too affectionate. If the dog meets you, jumping on you and taking up your space, try the Be a Tree method . Dog safety experts teach kids how to help them avoid aggressive dogs. Fold the branches (arms), look down and remain stationary for ten seconds. Try it on the next overly affectionate dog you come across. This article was originally published on May 1, 2017 and was updated in July 2020. Updates included checking links for accuracy, performing copy edits, expanding the dog body language reading section, and adding a photo to the title.