Knowing how to properly introduce yourself to a dog can mean the difference between having a pleasant interaction with a new dog you meet or a negative - or even unsafe - interaction.
First, always be respectful of the dog and their owner and ask if it is okay to approach and pet the dog. Some dogs may not be friendly or their owners may not want them to meet strangers at that time and that should always be respected. Attempting to approach and pet a dog that doesn't want to be touched can lead to a situation that can be bad for everyone.
Next, if allowed to approach the dog, please understand that there is no need to put your hand out or stick your hand in the dog's face. Dogs have incredibly powerful noses and do not need you to approach them with your hand out for them to get your scent.
Approach the dog slowly without the need to stare or make eye contact with them and allow them to start smelling you. We want to convey to them that we are friendly and are not a threat without making them feel challenged. Reading the dog's body language from here is important. If they sniff you for a bit and then begin to step back, stiffen up, or move away from you, then unfortunately, they likely do not want your attention or to be pet by you and you should respect that.
If the dog is sniffing you and begins to rub up against you and/or begins wagging their tail and showing welcoming body language, that is your cue that they are friendly and willing to engage with you. At this point, you can feel comfortable interacting with them. Please, always approach a dog who you are trying to pet from underneath their chin; never go above and pet them on their head! Most people like to pet dogs on the top of their heads, however this can be scary for a dog that doesn't know you. You do not know if that dog is fearful, has been hit, or is hand-shy, and going over their head to pet them could result in them becoming fearful, which is never what we want. Always start by petting new dogs from underneath their chin or on their chest where they can see your hand. As you do this, and they continue to show good body language that tells you that they want to be pet, then you can begin to pet them and rub them in different places on their head, back or butt. But please, start slowly and always pet them underneath at first!
If you see a dog that you want to introduce yourself to, always be respectful of their owner and ask first if you can pet their dog. Allow the owner to tell you that is okay, as their dog may not be friendly, or they may just not want their dog to be touched, and that is their choice. If you receive their okay to pet their dog, please use these tips to ensure that you have a safe and friendly interaction!
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