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Usually when we see a dog we want to get close to touch it, hug it or play with it. However, each dog has a different personality, so while some are very trustworthy and sociable, others are more reserved and don't enjoy contact with people they don't know as much.
If we approach any dog not knowing what your reaction will be can make him nervous, run away or get aggressive. For this reason at PeritoAnimal we want to teach you the basic guidelines so that you know how to approach an unknown dog without oppressing or taking risks.
body language
Before approaching an unknown dog, it is very important to know how to interpret canine body language. Dogs are very expressive animals and depending on their attitude we can know if is it convenient or not an approximation.
Should approach:
- Has a relaxed and calm posture.
- The tail remains relaxed, never between the legs or up
- Smell your surroundings in a quiet way
- Avoid our eyes and behave correctly
- If we approach little by little and talk to him, he wiggles his tail
- Is interested in people and seeks social contact in a positive way
Must not approach:
- Try to run away from you or hide behind its owner
- Turns your head and avoids you constantly
- licks and yawns
- have eyes half closed
- bristles the loin
- Show teeth and growl
- Has tense ears and tail
Approaching an unknown dog
Whenever we see a dog we feel like petting and befriending him. But although dogs are sociable animals, you don't always know how to approach an unknown dog and we often make mistakes. Then we give you guidelines so that you can get close to a dog you don't know:
- Ask the dog owner if he can approach. He will know better than anyone if your dog is sociable or, on the contrary, is more shy and doesn't like to be approached.
- approach slowly, without running, giving the dog time to see that we are approaching, not taking him by surprise. It is preferable that you do not approach from the front or from behind, you should do it from the side.
- don't look him directly in the eyes in a prolonged manner, as the dog may interpret this as a threat to its own safety or that of its owner.
- Before approaching, talk to him in a high tone, in a relaxed and pleasant way, so you don't feel like you're saying something bad. You must be positive
- Is important don't invade personal space of the dog, therefore, when you are at a prudent distance, bring your hand closer and show the palm of the same, so that it smells and becomes familiar with you. It's also helpful in letting them know that we don't have food or anything hidden away. Keep in mind that many puppies, just like people, don't like to be invaded, so you should totally avoid leaning over him, standing on top of him or touching him on any part of his body without warning.
- If the dog accepts your company and approaches you and starts to smell you, at this moment you can start to caress him slowly and calmly so that you don't and exalt. You can start by stroking your neck. Remember that if you don't get close, you shouldn't force it and you should never get over it.
- If it smells you calmly, it can crouch to stay at your height and to make you feel more comfortable. In addition, you should not put your knees or hands on the floor, so that if the dog has an unexpected attitude, it can react in time.
- Never hug him or give him kisses. Contrary to what people think, dogs don't like to be hugged, since bone blocks them and doesn't let them climb, so they feel stressed.
- Give him kind words and pet them gently, remember that while some dogs are very rough, others are gentle and are not fond of hard slaps on the back.
- Reinforce positive interactions, like being calm or allowing yourself to be manipulated and, on the other hand, never scold him or have a harsh attitude with him. Don't forget it's not your dog.
