How to properly pet a dog you meet for the first time – a simple mistake could cause it to become aggressive.
How to properly pet a strange dog? Even though these animals love gestures of affection offered by their owners, they may not be as open with people who meet them for the first time. Some mistakes may agitate a dog and bring out aggression.
How to properly pet a dog
Dogs are intelligent creatures and, just like humans, they pay attention to first impressions. So, if you met a dog in the park or when you went to someone’s house for the first time, try to befriend it by following the right steps.
For starters, never approach until you have the owner’s permission, and start a conversation before you’re in front of the animal so it has time to notice you. All the while, make sure to watch the dog’s body language.
If the dog is quiet, speak to it in a gentle tone and do not look it directly in the eye. You can check its responsiveness by looking out of the corner of your eye. Position your body to the side and give the dog enough space.
How to properly pet a dog: you can sit on your knees or with one knee resting on the ground, avoiding to lean over the animal, as this could irritate it. Reach out with one hand gently, but keep it relaxed next to your body, and wait until the dog comes closer to smell it. At this point you can stroke it under the chin.
What could annoy a dog
Dogs don’t like being petted on the top of the head by strangers, so it’s best to avoid this gesture. Also, after you’ve stroked the dog once or twice, withdraw your hand gently.
In this way, the dog will have a chance to decide whether it finds your presence comfortable, or it withdraws. If it accepts you, talk to it calmly and you can also touch its neck or chest. On the other hand, if it shows signs that the interaction is not to its liking, do not insist. Lean back slightly and stand up.
Never pet a dog’s paws, tail, ears or belly, as touching these areas could make him aggressive. It’s not always true that when a dog rolls over, it wants a belly rub, according to Petmd.com.
On the other hand, dogs are, most of the time, delighted to be stroked under the chin, along the side of the neck, on the shoulders, and also on the chest.