6 Blunders that can Cost you Dearly While Meeting a New Dog

Dog lovers have an inner urge of approaching canines that they are not acquainted with. But certain innocent moves and cues can backfire, leading to an ugly turn of events. Like, you may try to be friendly and sincere with them, but the one thing that doggies observe is whether you are respecting their boundaries or not. 

Remember, greeting dogs is quite different than meeting people. When you meet a stranger with a smile they reach out for your hands for hand shake. But dogs are quite different than us. They love space and restraint. If you find this piece of information surprising, read this write-up to get an idea of some of the common mistakes to avoid while meeting a dog for the very first time.

The very first thing that you need to do is to brush up on the dog-meeting protocol by avoiding these common mistakes while approaching a new dog:

Approaching The Tyke Directly Without Greeting His Owner

The very first question that you would have in your mind right now would be "How do I introduce myself to a dog when you say that they can react aggressively to even the right move?" The key to this answer is to understand that dogs respect their owners and if you want to win the heart of a doggy then greet the dog owner first. Dogs look up to their owners and take cues from their body language and emotional well-being. If you build an instant connection with the owner, the tyke will definitely follow the lead.

Evading Prior Permission Of The Dog Owner Before Approaching The Dog

The key to approaching a new dog is to get the prior consent of the dog owner. When the Fido understands that your intent is good, then he will relax and regard you as safe. Remember, the key is to approach the doggy when he is physically and mentally fit.

Looking Directly In The Eyes Of The Doggy

We, humans, have the tendency of looking in the eyes of the other person while talking, but for dogs it means a challenge or desire for dominance. So always avoid looking into the eyes of the doggy at all costs.

Being Afraid In Front Of The Pooch

Remember, dogs have an amazing sense of smell which makes them understand when someone is fearful. It can not only raise their natural defense mechanism but also make them aggressive. Hence, the best approach is to relax. But if for some reason you feel edgy while approaching a new dog, pay attention to your gut and pass by with a smile on your face without trying to interact with the furry pal.

Ignoring The Doggy Body Language While Interacting With The Furry Friend

When a doggy allows you to enter his proximity zone, let him decide the length of the encounter. If he moves away, let him go. Never reach for him when he backs away from you. If you find that your petting induces the dog to whip his head toward your hand and bump it with the nose it means that he has had enough of you so just back off and give space to the tyke. If the doggy has a wide-legged stance, locks eyes on you and backs it up, consider it to be a warning signal as he considers you intimidating and will look to defend his territory. Hence, it is advised to move away discreetly.

Reaching Out To The Dog

While advancing towards an unknown dog and his owner, meet and greet them initially and walk slowly. If you walk swiftly towards them, the dog will react instinctively which can lead to undesired outcome. Remember, dogs love the comfort zone. They are laid-back and friendly while meeting a familiar person. If you do not consider yourself to be a familiar face, then it is best to let the dog approach you first.

Hence, it is advised to read the doggy body language and then decide when and how to approach the furry pal.

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