How (and How NOT) to Greet an Unfamiliar Dog

Dogs have personal space too. Learn how to appropriately greet a dog that you don’t know very well.

You know that feeling you get every time you see a new dog? That somewhat uncontrollable urge to run over scoop that pup up and snuggle it for hours. As tempting as it may be, think about it from the dog’s point of view, scary right? If a dog sees you as a threat they may feel like they have no choice other than to bite. Here are some tips on how to greet dogs in a non-threatening manner.

• Always ask the dog’s owner
• Do not make direct eye contact
• Approach the dog slowly
• Get down on his level
• Wait for him to approach you
• Pet gently
• Pay attention to his body language