How to approach and meet an unknown dog?
Surely each of us has been in at least a few situations when you have found yourself in the company of an unknown dog. Sometimes by chance, and most often out of love, we meet and get to know the dogs in our environment. Here is some very important information and rules on this topic:
A large number of dogs are friendly to people and enjoy our presence, but that does not change the fact that it is necessary to follow certain rules in order to avoid side effects.
Approaching an unknown dog
If the dog is on a leash and in the presence of the owner, be sure to ask for permission before approaching the dog, the owners know their pets best and if necessary they will emphasize to you if you need to be more careful.
Every situation is different and causes different reactions of dogs because it is not the same if the dog is walking, in his yard, tied up, currently eating, has young or has some injury that makes him irritable. You need to take into account and adequately assess the situation you are in. The first thing you need to recognize is his body language and ruffle and lift his ears. Ruffled hair on his back in the neck, fixed gaze and pronounced body tension can be signs that approaching a dog in such a state is not a smart decision.
Always approach the unknown dog slowly and without sudden movements, relaxed and friendly if possible from a slightly lateral direction. Avoid direct eye contact as dogs may interpret this as a threat or provocation.
First contact with an unknown dog
After the correct approach, the first contact should definitely enable the dog to sniff you, because that is very important for them to remember you and gain trust. A stretched relaxed hand is the most common method and without sudden movements, and then lightly scratch the dog on the shoulders, chest or under the chin and behind the ears. Keep your gestures moderate without sudden movements towards either the dog or the owner and communicate in a normal tone without shouting. Leaning over a dog can scare or make the dog nervous because your body is often much bigger and so it is not a desirable move.
Do not grab the dog by the tail, or immediately pat it on the head and back. When it is in its space, keep in mind that most dogs are quite sensitive to endangering their territory, and under that space, very often, in addition to their box and sleeping place, they also consider the entire apartment, house and yard their territory. In such situations, even though you have already met the dog before, you should be extra careful when communicating with the dog.
Stray dogs, packs and lost dogs
Stray dogs that grew up on the street or in the suburbs do not have the same experiences with people as dogs that are in constant direct contact with people, so although they are usually harmless, they should be approached more carefully and patiently to compensate for the lack of trust in people. If you are passing by and come across a stray or a pack, do not make sudden and panic movements and do not run away, because dogs often react instinctively to that and go in pursuit. Lost dogs can be disoriented, scared, hungry, thirsty or hurt, so you should definitely consider everything before you decide on the initial reaction and getting to know each other.
Let the dog approach you
If you have the opportunity to show the dog in a relaxed and uninterested way that you do not attach importance to him and that you are not a threat but just want to get to know each other, the dog will often approach on its own. As soon as he realizes that you are not endangering or challenging him, he will relax and thus enable easier contact and getting to know each other.
In the end, keep in mind that dogs usually love people and enjoy their company, so they are not a reason for fear, but only that their instincts and the situations in which they find themselves should be observed from their point of view.