How to Greet a Dog the Right Way: Do's and Don'ts

We have all been in this situation: you see a cute dog walking down the street and your first thought is to run over squeal and open your arms for a hug.. Imagine if a complete stranger rushed up to you put their hands in your face and screamed in excitement. You would probably feel scared threatened or ready to defend yourself.

For dogs a bad greeting can be very stressful. Learning how to greet a dog safely is not about being polite. It helps prevent dog bites and makes anxious dogs feel safe. Whether you are meeting a dog on a walk or training your own dog to greet guests calmly at the front door here is your guide to the important things to do and not do when greeting dogs.

The things to do when greeting a dog

1. Always ask the dogs owner for permission first

Never think a dog is friendly just because they look cute. Always look for the dogs owner. Ask if you can pet their dog. Some dogs are in training working as service animals or getting better from an issue. If the owner says no do not take it personally. Just give them space.

2. Let the dog come to you

Dogs know the world through smell, not sight. Of reaching out to touch them stand back and let the dog decide if they want to come to you. If they want to say hello they will come to you at their pace.

3. Stand in a way that does not scare the dog

Coming up to a dog on and standing over them can look very aggressive to the dog. Instead stand a little to the side. Turn your shoulder to the dog so you look less scary. For dogs, carefully kneel or squat down to their level but keep your face back so you are not too close.

4. Watch the dogs body language

Before you touch the dog look for signs that the dog is relaxed. A loose wagging tail, relaxed ears and a soft face mean it is okay to touch them. If the dog gets freezes licks their lips yawns or turns their head away they are stressed. Respect their choice. Step back.

5. Pet the dog in places

If the owner says it is okay and the dog wants attention start slow. Gently pet the dog on the chest, shoulders or under the chin.

The things not to do when greeting dogs

1. Do not force the dog to smell your hand

For a time people thought it was a good idea to put out their hand for a dog to smell.. Putting your hand in a dogs face can be very scary for them. They can smell you from a feet away. If you want to let the dog smell you keep your arm relaxed. Make a loose fist at your side letting them come to you.

2. Do not stare at the dog

In the dog world staring at someone is a challenge. It can make a nervous or protective dog upset. Look softly. A little away, using the sides of your eyes to watch the dogs body language.

3. Do not hug, kiss or reach over the dogs head

Reaching over a dogs head to pat them is very scary for the dog. Never try to hug or kiss a dog you do not know. Dogs think hugs are like being trapped.

4. Do not be loud or excited

Squealing and loud talk can overexcite a dog or scare a dog. Keep your voice low, calm and steady.

Teaching your dog to greet people

What if you are the one, with the dog? If your dog gets too excited barks or tries to jump on guests when they come in the door you need to teach your dog to greet people

1. Use a mat: Put a special mat near your door. Teach your dog to sit or lie down on the mat when the doorbell rings.

2. Keep your dog on a leash: When practicing with friends keep your dog on a loose leash. If your dog tries to jump use a command like "leave it" or "sit."

3. Ignore the jumping: Tell your guests to turn their backs and ignore the dog if they try to jump. Giving them attention even if you are yelling or pushing them away makes the bad behavior worse.

4. Reward calm behavior: When your dog sits quietly on their mat give them an calm praise. This teaches them that being gentle and calm is the way to get attention.

Final Thoughts

Every dog is different. Has their own personality and comfort level. By understanding basic dog etiquette and watching their body language you can make sure every time you meet a dog is positive, safe and fun. Time you see a dog remember: stay calm stand to the side and always let the dog decide what to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it always okay to let a dog smell your hand?

No. If you put your hand in a dogs face it can scare them. Dogs have a sense of smell and can smell you from far away. So just keep your arm down. Let the dog come to you if they want to smell you.

What are the signs that a dog does not want to say hello?

Look for signs that the dog is stressed. If a dog stops moving licks their lips yawns a lot puts their tail between their legs or turns their head away they want to be left alone. Never try to pet a dog if they are showing these signs.

Where is the best place to pet a dog when you first meet them?

It is best to pet a dog on the chest, shoulders or under the chin. Do not reach over a dogs head to pet them because it can be scary for them.

How do I stop my dog from jumping on people at the door?

The best way is to ignore the dog when they jump. Tell your guests to turn around cross their arms and look away when the dog jumps. If you pay attention to the dog even if you are saying no it can make them jump more. Only give the dog treats when they are calm and have all four feet on the floor.

Why do dogs get so upset when they see dogs on a leash?

This is called leash reactivity. When dogs are, on a leash they cannot move around like they want to. It makes them feel trapped. They can get angry or excited. It is usually best to avoid meeting dogs on a leash.

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