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Dogs are often called man's best friend, yet sometimes their behavior can be unpredictable. Follow these steps when approaching a strange dog, watch out for signs of aggression, and pet them in a gentle, friendly manner. Each section offers helpful advice for petting your own pets as well as dogs you may encounter.
Steps
Approach the dog carefully
Ask the owner for permission before petting the dog. While dogs are generally friendly, it’s difficult to predict how they will react to strangers, especially if you have never met them before. If the owner gives specific instructions that differ from this guide, it’s best to follow their lead. If the owner agrees, you can even ask the dog how they like to be petted.
Be cautious with stray dogs. If you encounter a dog wandering alone on the street without an owner, you should exercise extreme caution and stay in place to protect yourself if necessary. Dogs that are tied up or left alone in yards or other cramped areas can be particularly aggressive, similar to dogs that are eating or chewing on something. Approach these dogs with care, and avoid petting them if you observe signs of aggression as described below.
Step back if you see signs of aggression or discomfort in a dog. Aggressive signs include growling, barking, raised tail and hackles, or a stiff body posture. Signs that a dog feels uncomfortable, scared, or stressed include lip licking, showing the whites of their eyes, avoiding direct eye contact, tucking their tail, opening their mouth, or flattening their ears. If the dog does not calm down or does not approach you within thirty seconds, keep your distance.
Bend down or squat to encourage the dog to come closer. To encourage a dog to approach, squat to their eye level. For confident dogs, simply bending down is enough, but never lean directly over them, as this can make them feel threatened.
- Never squat near a dog without an owner or one displaying aggression (see warning signs above). Always stand in case of a potential attack.
David Levin
Dog Training Expert
Dog Training Expert
Experts say: If you want to pet a dog you don't know well, avoid making direct eye contact and allow your feet to be close enough for them to sniff you. You can also look away and squat down. This allows the dog to smell you without feeling overly scrutinized.
Encourage a shy dog to come closer. If squatting hasn't convinced the dog and it appears fearful or evasive (running away or hiding), try looking away so the dog doesn't feel threatened. Make soft, soothing sounds; any sound can help, but avoid loud noises or those that might startle the dog. Turn your body sideways to avoid making the dog feel cornered.
- Ask the owner for the dog's name and use it to calm them. Some dogs are trained to respond to their names, and this may make them less shy or aggressive.
Present your fist. If the dog allows you to pet it after these steps, or at least seems relaxed and not aggressive or uncomfortable, you can make a fist and offer it for the dog to sniff. Hold your fist near the dog's nose but don't press it to their face. Allow the dog to come closer and sniff the back of your hand if it wishes.
- Never open your hand in front of a dog; strange dogs may bite your fingers, thinking they're a treat.
- The dog is sniffing to assess you, not asking for petting. Wait until it finishes sniffing before moving on to the next step.
- Don't worry if the dog licks you. This is just its way of showing affection and trust, much like a human kiss.
Observe the dog’s relaxed mood. If the dog's muscles are loose (not tense or contracted), or if it glances at you quickly, wags its tail, it may be feeling comfortable with the interaction. Proceed to the next step, but if the dog tries to run away, stop petting and retract your hand again.
Petting a strange dog
Gently stroke around the ears. If the dog is not aggressive, you can gently stroke or lightly scratch the base of its ears. Approach from the side, avoiding moving directly in front of it.
Move to another area. If the initial attempt is successful, and your dog isn’t trying to run off, you can continue petting other areas. Gently stroke along the back or the top of the head, and lightly scratch.
- Many dogs enjoy having their back or sides along the spine scratched. They tend to be less tense when you touch the nape of their neck and the front of their shoulders compared to the tail area or the back legs.
- Friendly pets typically like being petted under the chin or on the chest, but some dogs dislike having their jaw area touched.
David Levin
Dog Training Expert
Dog Training Expert
Pay attention to the dog’s response to see if it enjoys affection. If you want to pet a dog that seems friendly, lower yourself and scratch its chest, instead of petting its head. Once the dog trusts you, you can scratch around its ears, under its neck, or on its hind thighs. If the dog enjoys it, it will move closer to you or lean in for more scratching.
Know when to stop. Remember, some dogs don’t like having their heads scratched. Additionally, they may not appreciate having their back legs touched or other specific areas. If you notice the dog growling, tucking its tail, or moving suddenly, you should stop petting immediately and stay still. You can resume petting other areas only if the dog calms down and approaches you again.
Avoid sudden movements. Don’t scratch abruptly or too harshly, avoid slapping or tapping the sides of its body, and don’t move too quickly to another area. If the dog enjoys being petted in a certain spot, you can gently pet and scratch, starting with one hand and eventually using both hands. Always remain gentle and calm, as you never know how a lively dog will react. Rushed or rough petting may cause an otherwise friendly dog to become agitated, potentially jumping up or even biting your hand.
Affectionate dog care
Understand your pet's preferences. Once you’ve gotten to know your dog, it’s important to discover the types of affection they prefer the most. Some dogs enjoy belly rubs, while others prefer having their paws massaged. A few dogs may growl if you touch these areas. Pay attention to their body language and focus on the spots they enjoy the most. Signs that your pet likes the affection include wagging their tail, relaxed muscles, and whining when you stop petting. A little whining can also be a sign that the dog is excited, though this doesn't always mean they’re relaxed.
Be careful when rubbing a dog’s belly. When a dog is lying on its back, it may be feeling scared and trying to appease you, rather than asking for affection. Even friendly dogs may show their bellies for different reasons. Avoid rubbing their belly if they appear anxious, stressed, or unhappy.
Teach children how to properly pet dogs. Dogs can become anxious when interacting closely with children, even those they grew up with, as kids can often be clumsy when showing affection. It’s important to teach children in your home not to hug, grab, or kiss the dog, as these actions, if done awkwardly, could result in the dog biting the child. Instruct children not to pull the dog’s tail or throw objects at it.
Occasionally give your pet a deep massage. Spend about 10 to 15 minutes gently petting your dog from head to tail. Use circular motions to reach the face, under the chin, and the chest. Then move up to the neck, shoulders, and back, going down to the tail. Some dogs may allow you to massage their paws as well.
- When massaging your pet, you can also check for any lumps, whether normal or newly developed, which could be a sign of health issues.
Massage the puppy's paws. Some dogs may be sensitive and won't allow you to touch their paws, but if you can gently lift them, it's helpful to rub the area lightly to improve circulation and to check for any sharp objects that could cause discomfort. If the pads are cracked and dry, consult your vet about suitable moisturizers for your dog and apply them to your pet's feet.
- Massaging a puppy's paws helps them become accustomed to the sensation of having their feet touched, which will make nail trimming easier in the future.
Massage around the puppy's mouth. If the puppy is familiar with you, it may let you massage its mouth and paws. This is especially beneficial for teething puppies and helps them get used to having their mouth touched, making future dental care easier.
- To massage the puppy's mouth, gently rub the cheeks and jaw in circular motions. When massaging the gums, you can use a "finger brush" available at pet stores or veterinary clinics.
Advice
- Always ask the owner first if it's okay to give the puppy treats. Some dogs may be sensitive to low-quality foods containing gluten.
- The best way to gain the puppy's trust is to offer them food.
- Observe the puppy while others pet it. Politely suggest that strangers change how they pet or stop if the puppy seems uncomfortable.
- Place one hand on the puppy's body if it feels scared. This can help them feel safer, more relaxed, and comfortable.
- Getting the puppy used to encountering strangers can prevent problems in the future. Instead of letting the puppy jump on or rush at others, teach it to sit when it sees someone new. This way, you can maintain control and prevent aggressive behavior or nipping.
- Sometimes, a young puppy may bark if it doesn't recognize you. Close your hand into a fist and let the puppy approach and sniff the back of your hand at its own pace.
Warning
- Even friendly dogs can become aggressive if too many people are petting them at once.
- Never pet a pet while it's eating or chewing something. Some dogs are very protective of their bones or toys and may attack to prevent you from taking their possessions.
- Never scold a dog for growling. The growl is a signal that the dog is not comfortable with the current situation. If you scold them for growling, they might stop growling in the future and go straight to biting when they feel uncomfortable.
- Never pet a strange dog on the head, as this can be perceived as a threat and may cause them to bite.
- Watch for signs that a dog is about to bite you! Back away slowly and calmly while maintaining eye contact with the dog.
