Greeting strange dogs

Please don’t touch me, you are a stranger to me.

The longer I live with dogs the more puzzled I am about humans. We see a dog and we want to touch the dog. I aways think that people must think it very strange when they find out I’m a dog trainer and I don’t care to touch any of the dogs. The only time I will touch is when the dog wants me to touch them; but even then I may not. It all depends on the dog.

“STOP TOUCHING DOGS!!!!!” I know, it’s difficult but we really need to stop. Do you know how many dogs are touched that do not want to be touched? Now, I’m talking about people touching dogs that they do not know.

2020 blog on Greeting strange dogs.

Above is a link to a previous blog on the same subject. Teaching people how to approach and/or greet a strange dog is something that I am passionate about.

Most of us have been taught to offer a dog our hand, palm down and let them sniff. But this single behavior can be very unwelcome. I know if someone reaches out to Riggs he is not happy about it. His behavior says “who the hell are you and why are you reaching out to grab me?” Many people ask “can I?” while they reach out. Others reach out before they ask and some never ask.

Asking the guardian of the strange dog is the very first step. The guardian may say “sure” but more often than not the dog says “no.” Dogs speak with body language first; and if you happen to hear a growl, then that is your answer. Do not touch a dog that voices displeasure at your approach. A dog that just stands there and does not approach you is not interested in an interaction. They most definitely do not want to be touched.

So, first let’s agree, no more touching strange dogs. But, if there is going to be an interaction; there must be a great deal of work from the strange human first.

  • Approach the guardian with the dog.

  • Ask the guardian if their dog is friendly.

  • Ask the guardian if their dog would like to be touched.

  • Stand at least 3-4 feet away from the dog.

  • Do not give the dog a direct glance. Use your peripheral vision to see if the dog is moving closer to you.

  • If not, stop and don’t go any further. No touching.

  • Stand relaxed with your hands hanging beside you. (keep your hands to yourself)

  • Does the dog move towards you? No? Don’t touch.

  • Yes, turn your palm towards the dog, but don’t raise you arm.

  • Let the dog smell your hand.

  • Do not look directly at the dog. This is enough to freak some dogs out.

  • If they nuzzle your hand, give them a tiny tickle under their chin.

  • Pay attention to how they are accepting this.

  • DO NOT REACH OVER THE DOGS HEAD. Dogs do not like to be pet on the top of their head. Even though humans always do this.

  • You may need to stop at the chin. Some dogs like Elsa will really move in and loves to be touched by people. Although not all people. She moves in and nudges hands and makes it very clearly she likes it.

But even with dogs like Elsa, don’t push it. Quit while your ahead and be satisfied with a chin rub. There may be a few that enjoy a little more; maybe a chest rub or side of body pet. DO NOT REACH OVER THEIR HEAD.

But for the majority of the dogs, stop there; they do not want strange people touching them. Neither do we. Can you imagine if strangers walked up to us and simply reached out and touched us? Unacceptable. Equally as unacceptable for our dogs. We need to rethink this whole “petting all the dogs” idea.

If you have any questions about greeting strange dogs, ask away.