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Be sure to learn right (and avoid wrong) way to greet a new dog

When I was a child, nobody ever taught me how to properly greet a strange dog. All too often, I would rush up to the poor soul and attempt to throw my arms around its neck. All this even before it had a chance to size me up and get a whiff of me.

I was bitten more than once and soon learned there are rules for greeting dogs just as there are rules for greeting people. They’re called manners.

If you are approaching a dog, first ask the owner if you can approach. Don’t assume and charge up to the dog expecting a warm reception.

Dogs, especially those on a leash, can feel threatened while restrained. Respect their space.

Ask to approach and then gently greet the dog. Petting a dog is quite stressful for many canines, too. You are, again, invading the only space they feel in somewhat control over.

Most importantly, if the dog is showing no sign of wishing to greet you back, refrain from greeting the dog. Let a dog come to you on its own terms.

Another tip, don’t stare at a dog. I always did this when I was younger and learned the hard way. Staring can be taken as a sign of aggression by the dog. Dogs will avert eye contact because they feel uncomfortable with a direct gaze.

Also, turn your body to the side, for a more non-threatening posture.

Below are a few guidelines to follow when meeting new dogs thanks to fearfuldogs.com.

n Do not approach a dog, especially if it is tied up or on leash.

n Ask the owner if it is OK for you to interact with their dog before you do it.

n Stand still if a dog approaches you for a sniff, leave your hands by your side and glance away from the dog.

n Squat down instead of bending over to talk to or pet a dog. Avoid staring at them, putting your face near theirs or hugging them.

n Do not reach over a dog’s head to pet it, instead offer chin scratches or chest rubs.

n Do not touch a dog that has rolled over.

n Ignore a dog that shows any indication of being timid or upset. Baby talk, reaching out with treats, or any attempt to connect with the dog can backfire and cause the dog to react fearfully or aggressively.

n Do not feel like every dog you meet needs to be handled. Watch a dog’s behavior and body language carefully. Learn about calming signals and other ways that dogs communicate their feelings. A dog that is not obviously happy to see you (open mouth, waggy tail and body) is telling you a lot about how they feel. If a dog is not inviting you to handle or interact with them, don’t.

Unless you consider yourself an expert on dog body language, it’s best to let a dog initiate an interaction with you, rather than you moving toward them.

Even a dog that approaches you for a sniff may not be saying, “Hi! Pet me!,” according to fearfuldogs.com.

Some well-adjusted dogs are okay with human greetings and even like a good pat or chin scratch. It’s important to remember that not every dog is well-adjusted and many have a past (much like our rescue crew) — a lot of history we know nothing about.

Assuming is not something we take lightly around our house or do with our pets. We just don’t know their histories and what they might have encountered in a previous life to assume anything. We err on the side of caution always and ask our guests to, as well.

Always better to be safe than sorry.

Do yourself and every dog a favor and seek the advice of a dog trainer on learning the best way to greet a dog.

Amy J. Hanna-Eckenrode is the author of “Have Dog Will Blog,” editor of the Central PA Pets magazine and director of the Central PA Pet Expo. She can be contacted at ahanna@altoonamirror.com or by mail: Paws and Reflect, c/o Amy J. Hanna-Eckenrode, Altoona Mirror, 301 Cayuga Ave., Altoona, PA 16602.

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