Better SAFE Than BITTEN
You know that old advice to crouch down and put your hand out towards a strange dog’s face to let them sniff it when you are meeting them? That is probably one of the last things I would advise now that I am a dog trainer.
First, make sure to keep a safe distance and ASK the owner beforehand. If they say they are comfortable with it, then the next thing to do is let the dog decide if it wants to come up to you. And sniffing you? Trust me, they certainly don’t need your hand put up to their nose to smell you with those brilliant noses. So what should you do then? Just keep your body soft and don’t be rude and stare in their eyes or crowd their space unsolicited. Remember, they are stuck on a leash and don’t have many options, as they cannot communicate with us in our language. Watch their body language for any signs of discomfort, like any stiffness or lip licking.
If the dog solicit pets by rubbing or leaning on you, or coming right up to you, then pet them if you would like. I would avoid their head if they are unknown to you, and instead do long strokes along their back or side. This will help with any aversion or over-arousal. Make sure you are in a position where you are able to stand up quickly, otherwise remain standing. After a few seconds stop interacting with the dog and let the dog decide again if they would like to continue the interaction. If they move away, let them and end the interaction.
The best way to make sure you are safe and not get bit, is to simply not greet strange dogs. I know we love them and they’re fluffy, but you never know the dog’s history, and they are much faster than we are. Something small could trigger the dog (that not even the owners know) and BAM you have a bite happen. This may not only traumatize you but traumatize the dog as well, coloring their future interactions with strangers. We are certainly NOT owed any time with someone else’s dog. We have to remember that they are still animals, and unpredictable at times.
In conclusion, it’s better to be safe than to be bitten. Remember, it is not just you that this affects, and sometimes humans are too polite and feel they can’t say “no” to someone wanting to interact with their dog (especially if it is a child). So please be extremely mindful and respectful of both the dog(s), and human at the end of the leash.
Be safe out there!
~for help with your dog please visit www.ccpsmn.com/services or email Kera at: ccps.semn@gmail.com
