Most people (even dog owners) do not know how to approach a dog properly! Fact
Today‘s advice is not about how to greet dogs the right way (posted on that before) but how to avoid unsolicited greetings.
Hoovering over the dog’s space to say hello, extending a hand to be sniffed, patting a dog on their head from above, looking into their eyes as they do so, softening their voice or sounding like an excited kid are all recipes for biting!
Dogs are aversive to 3 main things when not comfortable:
- Direct eye contact
- Patting / touching or
- Invading into their personal space.
I very often take puppies and “human reactive” dogs in public for training purposes. Every time, I come across someone who means well, but is very determined to get too close.
“Ah.. dogs love me.”
“They feel no fear from me, I’ll be fine.”
“I got dogs at home, she can smell them”
Some of the things I say / do to keep those people away are:
I’m sorry but she’s in training!
I’m sorry but she’s not all that friendly with strangers!
I use my body / arms to block off their access if need be.
I’ll have the dog slightly behind me, to let the dog know that I got this.
So next time you come across an extra zealous dog lover, please thank them for their intention but DO ALL YOU CAN to keep them away!
Your dog will thank you, and you’d definitely earn her trust with your handling.