Many people wonder “Can I pet that dog?” when they see a cute dog at the park or when visiting friends or family. Here are some tips on petting a dog you don’t know.
Dog behavior experts recommend that you should always ask the owner’s permission before petting a dog you don’t know. Owners know their dogs best. While many dogs are friendly and interact well with strangers, some dogs can be aggressive towards or fearful of unknown humans and animals.
Don’t go by what you know about a breed. For example, you may have heard that some dogs like Pit Bulls or Russian Bear Dogs are dangerous while others like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Shepherds are friendly and approachable. However, every dog has a unique personality and temperament.
Avoid approaching a dog that is obviously uncomfortable with your presence. Look for signs like barking or growling that indicate a dog feels upset or threatened.
Ask permission
Many dog lovers are tempted to rush towards a cute dog and immediately pet it. But as mentioned above, it’s a good idea to ask permission from the dog’s owner before petting a dog you don’t know. Remember, dogs can’t speak, so they can’t tell you if they want to be left alone.
Even if you feel like the dog is asking to be pet, ask the owner’s permission. Some dogs appear friendly but become aggressive when you approach closer. The dog’s owner is probably clued in better than anyone else to their four-legged friend’s body language. They will tell if you if it’s okay to pet their dog.
If a dog is off-leash and on the loose, be especially cautious when you approach it. While you may want to do the right thing and reunite a lost pooch with its owner, you can’t be sure that the dog won’t find your body language threatening and react aggressively.
Allow the dog to come to you
Rather than approaching a dog you don’t know, allow the dog to come to you. This means hanging back and avoiding putting your hand near the dog’s face or neck. This gives the dog time to get used to you and feel in control of the situation.
You can, however, make yourself more approachable by kneeling down so you are in the dog’s field of vision. But, if you are uncertain how the dog feels about you, avoid bending or kneeling as this will put you within biting distance. Also, avoid making direct eye contact because dogs perceive this as a threatening gesture.
Pet an unknown dog the right way
Learn the best way to pet a dog you don’t know. That way, you won’t make your new furry friend feel uncomfortable, fearful, or anxious. Remember, in general, dogs don’t feel threatened when they are pet on their neck, chest, or back, so these are good spots to pick. Or you can ask the dog’s owner where their dog likes to be pet.
Also, it’s worth noting that while some dogs don’t mind being hugged by their owners, they may not like it when a stranger does the same because it can feel restraining and unsafe to the dog.
As long as you take some basic precautions, it is usually safe to pet most dogs and make new furry friends. Follow the dog owner’s lead and you should be okay.
20 February, 2023