Human Greets Dog

Want to greet a dog politely?  Allow him to investigate you first.  Instead of being a ‘space invader’ just leave him be.  Let him come and sniff without fixing your eyes on him. There’s no need to stick your hand out either.  If he is interested he will let you know by touching you or nuzzling for a pat. He may just want to sit by you.

This is also the best way to meet an excited dog because engaging right away will only encourage and nurture the excitement which I prefer to avoid.

Dogs politely approach each other by indirect contact.  Their bodies often arc around each other while they sniff the others bottom.  This is the equivalent of a doggy handshake whilst they assess each other.  They gain much information about each other through smell.  Then they determine whether to interact further.  If they were to meet immediately eye-to-eye like humans do it would be likely a threatening situation that could lead to blows.

You can still invite a dog with your voice but if he doesn’t initiate contact there’s no need to be concerned, just be pleased knowing you have not applied any pressure.

Some folks might be a little offended if you don’t acknowledge their dog right away so when I meet someone and their dog for the first time, I quickly explain my dog etiquette about why I am initially ignoring their dog.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)