04/05/2026
Posting for the benefit of dog owners and people in general...
🐾How to greet unfamiliar dogs...Do not stretch your hand out towards a new dog, as this can be perceived as threatening or invasive and risks a bite. Instead, ask the owner for permission, stand sideways, and let the dog come to you to sniff if they choose. Keeping your hands relaxed at your sides is safest.
🐾Why you should not put your hand out...It's threatening, as stretching your hand out often causes you to lean over the dog, which feels intimidating. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can smell you perfectly fine without you thrusting your hand in their face. The hand/wrist is the most common place for a person to be bitten, offering it puts it directly in harm's way. It invades space, forcing interaction before the dog is ready, taking away their options.
🐾How to properly greet a dog...Ask permission, always ask the owner if the dog is friendly first. Stand sideways, facing slightly away from the dog to appear less confrontational. Let them approach,wait for the dog to come to you to sniff. If the dog stays next to you or leans into you, this is a good indication to proceed further, allowing the dog to take the lead. Pat safely,if they are friendly, pat their chest, side, or neck, not the top of their head as this can perceived as threatening.
Keeping it safe for everyone 😊
