How to approach a strange dog: Ask the dog’s owner if you can pet it

The dog may look friendly, but if you don’t know it, you have no way of knowing. How to react to strangers. It is best to first ask the dog's owner if you can pet it. Follow the dog owner's advice and ask him where the dog likes to be petted.

Methods to approach a strange dog: When a dog has no owner, please be careful

If you see a dog without an owner walking around on the street, please proceed carefully, if necessary , please stay where you are to protect your own safety. Dogs that are leashed or left in yards and other places with limited space are more likely to bite, also when they eat or chew. Please be careful when approaching these dogs and give up on the idea of ​​petting them if they show any signs of aggression.

How to approach an unfamiliar dog: When the dog shows any signs of aggression or discomfort, back away immediately

Signs of aggression include growling, barking loudly, tail erect or body stiff. Signs of discomfort, fear, and anxiety include licking the lips and showing the whites of the eyes. If the dog doesn't calm down or come closer to you within thirty seconds, stop trying to pet it.

Methods to approach a strange dog: Bend or squat down to let the dog come closer to you

Squat down to close the height difference between you and it, so that it takes the first step towards getting closer to you. step. Bolder dogs only need you to bend down slightly to come over, but please be careful not to bend your body directly above them, as this will make them feel threatened. Please never squat down near an unowned dog or a dog showing signs of aggression. Please stay in a standing position to protect yourself in case of sudden attack by the dog.

Methods to approach a strange dog: Coax a shy dog ​​to approach

If you still can’t attract the dog’s attention after you squat down, and it behaves shy or easily frightened, please move your Look away as eye contact can make it feel threatened. Make gentle, quiet coaxing noises, but be sure to avoid sounds that are too loud or might frighten the dog. You can turn your body to one side to make yourself look less threatening. Ask the owner for his dog's name and use the name to coax him. Some dogs have been trained to respond to their names.

How to approach a strange dog: Extend your fist

After following the above steps, if the dog seems to accept your touch, or at least appears relaxed and shows no signs of aggression or discomfort , you can stretchTake out your fist and test it. Place your fist on the outside of its nose, but not directly in its face. Let it come close and let it sniff the back of your hand for however long it takes. Don't open your hands in front of an unfamiliar dog as the dog may bite your fingers. When a dog sniffs you, it's not asking you to touch it, it's evaluating you. Wait until it sniffs it out, and don't act hastily.

How to approach a strange dog: Pay attention to whether the dog feels comfortable

If its muscles are relaxed, or it makes brief eye contact with you, or it wags its tail, this is It may mean that it feels more comfortable with you. In this case, you can move on to the next step, but when the dog tries to move away, stop stroking and hold your still fist in front of the dog again.