How to approach or not approach a person their dog

In my profession I have been hyper vigilant in noticing how people greet other people & their dogs.  Sometimes it is down right scary the way a stranger will approach another stranger & their dog.  Honestly, I am surprised there are not more dog bites occurring during this uninformed greeting process.  Kudos to those dogs for having SO MUCH tolerance.

So, what is the best way to approach another human walking their dog?  This post will address how a person without a dog should approach or greet another person with a dog.  In the meantime, dont forget to read our post on how kids should greet dogs.  Some of this information will be the same, because we all need to have better manners when meeting & greeting dogs.

First I want to bring up The Yellow Dog Project, because I get a lot of people asking me about this.  This is a movement to try to educate people that if a dog is wearing a yellow ribbon, that dog needs more space & promotes appropriate contact with those dogs.  I think this is great!  BUT, I feel this should be the case with ALL dogs, as you will soon learn. I wish this project was promoting proper interactions with ALL dogs, because people should be learning how to interact properly with all dogs, not just ones with a yellow ribbon.  I think they missed the big picture on this one, but my hats off to them for trying to bring awareness in greeting dogs.

1. Not all dogs want to say hello to all people all the time.  This is something that dog loving people have a real hard time comprehending sometimes.  After all, they are dog lovers & all dogs love them.  Well, I hate to burst bubbles, but that is not always the case.  Please dont take it personally either.  Just because a few dogs do not appreciate your intentions does not mean you are not loved by lots of dogs.  :)

·         Even if you have a regular meeting with another dog, does not mean that you should not go through the proper greeting ritual each time you interact.  You should.  Even very social dogs have their off days, or sometimes they are even in pain that you might not be aware of.

2. Evaluate the dog from a distance.  This is very important to do before approaching a person and their dog.  Just stop & watch what is going on.  Does the dog seem comfortable & relaxed?  What about the person?  If either seems stressed, or in a hurry, this would not be an ideal time for approaching.  Try again another day.
3. Approach slowly, relaxed & not making eye contact with the dog.  Please, whatever you do, do not keep extended eye contact with a dog.  This makes a lot of dogs very nervous & unsure of your intentions.  Unlike us primates, canines consider this a threat.  So, as you approach, look at the person & casually gaze at the dog to read his body language.
4. Stop 5-10 away from the person & their dog.  Look at the person & ask if you can say hello to their dog.  Please dont ask if their dog "is friendly" because even a friendly dog doesnt always want to say hello.  Not to mention, some people may take a bit of offense by this question.

·         Wait for an answer.  You are doing a great job so far, asking to greet, just dont forget to actually wait for the person to either say "yes" or "no."  If the dogs person says it is ok, ask what the dogs name is.

5. Ask the dog.  Another step often overlooked is to actually ask the dog if he wants to say hello.  Calmly say the dogs name & quietly tap your outside leg & say "hi Dexter (insert the dogs name)."  You want the dog to come up to you, dont rush up to the dog.

·         If the dog comes up to you, gently pet under the dogs chin, chest, & side area.  If the dog moves away at anytime, do not follow him, ask him to come back for more petting.  If he doesnt come back, he no longer wishes to be pet. 

·         Dont get over exuberant in your petting.  For one, this can intimidate some dogs.  Secondly, a lot of people are trying really hard to teach their dogs not to jump up when petting.  Being overly excited can cause a lot of dogs to jump up.

6. Thank you.  Dont forget to thank the dog and their person for allowing you to greet.  Thank you goes a long way in our society.

Tips:

·         If the dog is barking, or jumping around do not approach. 

·         Dont put your face in a dogs face.

·         Dont approach a dog while he is eating, or chewing a toy.

·         If a dog feels stiff, stop petting & back off.

·         If a dog keeps leaving you during petting he probably does not want to be pet anymore.

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