Proper Etiquette for Petting a Stranger’s Dog
More people are taking their pups out and about with them, especially in the summer months. As a dog lover, you see someone walking his dog and your first reaction is to rush in and pet him. Is that the best thing to do? Believe it or not, there is proper etiquette for petting a stranger’s dog. According to Kate Barrington of PetGuide.com, if you follow these five simple steps, your encounter with a stranger’s pet will be enjoyable for everyone involved.
- Ask Permission: The first thing you need to do is to ask the owner for permission to pet his dog. Do not assume that it will be okay just because the dog “looks” friendly. When a dog is frightened or feels threatened he can become defensive or aggressive – this can happen in an instant and you might not have time to retreat. Rather than asking the owner if the dog is friendly, be direct in asking if it is okay if you introduce yourself to the dog.
- Approach Slowly: If the owner gives you permission to say hello to his dog, approach slowly but confidently. Do not rush at the dog, but do not show signs of fear or the dog might become nervous. Keep an eye on the dog’s body language and fall back if he appears frightened.
- Let Him Sniff You: Before you touch the dog, give him a moment to sniff you and to acquaint himself with your smell. Hold your hand out flat to the dog and let him approach you to sniff your hand. After a few seconds, if the dog appears to be okay with it, you can pet him.
- Be Gentle: When you go to pet the dog, be gentle about it – scratch him gently under the chin rather than on top of the head. Always stay in front of the dog where he can see you and do not make any sudden movements that might frighten him.
- Keep it Brief: Even if the dog seems to be comfortable with you petting him you should keep the encounter brief and do not push him past his limits. If the dog starts to get nervous, back off and move along.
Remember that it is important that you respect the owner’s wishes and approach a strange dog with caution.
Leave a Reply