Dogs are people too! Well, okay, not really. But they’re emotional beings who deserve respect. They can also be dangerous if you treat them with disrespect. The point is, how you approach a dog the first time you meet it matters. Here’s my advice from my experience on how to do so properly.

Greeting a dog for the first time can be scary and nerve wracking for some, but it doesn’t have to be! Dogs are social animals, and they depend on their pack for protection and support. When you meet a new dog, you are entering his or her territory, and he or she will most definitely want to know who you are and what your intentions are.

This means that greeting a new dog requires some thoughtfulness as well as confidence. A good way to start is by letting the pet owner know ahead of time that you’re going there so they can prepare their pets for your arrival. This gives them time to work with the animal so that when you arrive, both will be ready for an enjoyable introduction.

Give the dog some space and time

Don’t rush up to a new dog, and don’t try to pick up or hug the animal. Dogs should be invited into your world, not you into theirs. This means that you should let them approach you at their own pace rather than rushing over to greet them.

I would usually ignore the dog and talk to the owner with my hands on my sides or folded. This signals to the dog that you are calm and relaxed, which can help it feel more comfortable in your presence.

The Sniff… The all so important sniff!!!

I would let the Dog sniff me first before I acknowledge its presence. Dogs like to approach and explore on their own terms, so they will appreciate having time and space to come over when they feel ready.

Don’t be afraid to let the dog smell you! Dogs have a powerful sense of smell and can even tell if you’re afraid from your body language.

Don’t Stare. Yes, this goes for dogs too!!

Dogs are often very wary of people they don’t know, so it’s important not to stare at them. When you’re greeting a dog and looking into its eyes, it can seem like you’re challenging him or her. It best to ignore the dog.

Look for positive signs

You’ll be able to tell if a dog is uncomfortable with your presence by watching for signs such as ears pulled back or tail tucked between legs. If possible, try to avoid making any movement that might scare or startle the animal; this includes jumping over fences or running towards the pet too quickly (even if it seems harmless).

Scratch the dog behind the ear. Its Magic!!!

Once the dog seems ok to approach you, gently scratch behind the ear, It’s a sensitive area for dogs, and scratching there will make them more relaxed. Speak to him in a soothing voice and give him treats when he accepts your presence.

Conclusion

If you’re approaching a dog for the first time, remember to be respectful. You can’t always tell a dog’s intentions, and the best way to stay safe is to take it slow and make sure the dog is comfortable with you. If the dog isn’t acting aggressively, slowly approach it and let it sniff your hand. Once the dog has warmed up to you, scratch behind his or her ear as a show of affection, and don’t make eye contact for too long because that could make him or her feel threatened. Most importantly, don’t let him or her jump on you! Remember these tips when meeting dogs so that everyone stays safe and happy.