Always ask if you can pat a dog – the owner should know if their dog likes being touched or not, some dogs are anxious or fearful of people.
Ask at a distance, not when you are right in front of the dog – not a good place if the dog may react. Have a chat with the owner, ask the dog’s name.
Approach the dog steadily, slightly to the side without eye contact, don’t be nervous (if you are you shouldn’t be patting). Hand can be slightly extended as you approach with fingers curled so the dog can sniff, yes, the dog would have already smelt you, but the slightly extended hand will give the dog time to retreat before you get into its space.
Sometimes, even if the owner has okayed the meeting the dog might not be amenable. Know some signs that the dog is not giving consent, hopefully the owner will see there’s not.
If the dog hasn’t moved away or given some other signal that says NO, you can
stroke.
Do not pat or reach over the head, stroke the shoulders standing off to the side. Some recommend patting the chest or under the chin. This can put your face close to the dog’s face, not so safe for an initial meet and greet, better
to be at the side than in
front.
Stop after a short stroke, the dog will let you know if it would like more or not – by moving towards you, staying close, or moving away. If it remains you may be able to scratch behind the ears, talking softly to the dog doesn’t hurt either.
Meet some dogs at Bairnsdale and District Dog Obedience Club Inc on Saturday mornings.
