Dog Trainer Explains the Proper Way to Meet a Pup for the First Time
For as long as I can remember, I was taught that when you meet a dog for the first time you should stick your hand out so that they can smell it. Bronagh Daly, is a certified dog trainer and owner of Five by Five Canine out of Connecticut, and she said that by doing that, it's a good way to get yourself bit.
Bronagh shared a video on Tuesday, February 6th explaining the do's and don'ts that go along with meeting a dog. She shares that be putting a hand in their face or reaching towards them is a lot of social pressure for a dog, and they may feel like they need to defend themselves. Listen in as she describes what you should do instead.
@Bronagh goes on to explain that through body language and their communication, dogs will be very clear with whether they want to interact with you or not. She recommends staying where you to let them get comfortable, and if they want to interact with you, they'll come to you. I like how at the end she reminds us all that we don't have to get close to them and stick a hand out for them to smell - they can smell us from where we are!
Related: Dog Trainer Explains Exactly What Pups Want When They Paw Their Humans
How To Safely Greet a Pup
Commenters shared their thoughts and feelings about Bronagh's advice on how to greet a dog. I liked the commenter who pointed out, "I get it. I don't like when anything is in my personal space uninvited either." @Ezsmitty added, "Don’t stare. You can look, and then look away, and then look again."
Dogs don't need you to get close to smell you. They have a sense of smell 10,000-100,000 times stronger than ours! If you'd like to meet a new dog - whether it's a friend or family member's dog or a complete stranger - let it happen on their terms. It's better to be safe than sorry.
The first thing you should do is ask the owner for permission. If the owner says no, there's a reason for it and you should trust their judgement. Next, let the dog approach you and make the first move.
When it's your turn to say hello, make sure to pet their side, back, chest, or neck area and not their head, which could frighten them. Go slowly, and make sure they are okay with your touches. Don't try to hug them or restrain them, which could also frighten them.
If you find a dog that's not on a leash (maybe a lost or stray dog) you should be extra careful about approaching it. American Kennel Club suggests the "Be a Tree" technique, "Be a Tree refers to standing still, with your arms tucked into your sides and your hands folded in front of you, while you look down." Don't make eye contact or triggering the dog’s chase response by moving around or approaching them.
I think most of us automatically stick a hand out to a new dog. I'm hoping the next time I meet one I'll remember Bronagh's advice.
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