Dogs

How to Pet a Dog You Don't Know

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By Care2 Mar 04, 2013

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By Lisa Spector

I recently read a F acebook status update written by a friend that read, “Please don’t touch my preggo tummy if you don’t know me.” I assume most pregnant women want to carry around a sign with those words. I also imagine that most dogs want to carry around a sign that reads, “Please don’t pat my head if you don’t know me.”

While most dogs don’t like being pat on the head, my dog, Sanchez, REALLY doesn’t like it. He often ducks and backs up, even from me – and I’m the person that cares for him, lives with him, loves him, trains with him, feeds him, and is his partner in everything dog. I’ve clicker trained him to tolerate it, as I know strangers will do it no matter what. His very large head is just a magnet to a human hand.
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When greeting an unfamiliar dog, it is always best to:

1. Ask permission from their person.

RELATED: What to Do if you See a Dog with a Yellow Ribbon
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2. Let the dog make contact first.
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3. Make small, slow movements. Rushing up to a dog could make him fearful.
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4. Slowly pet him on the chest, underneath his head, instead of reaching over his head (which can be very threatening to a dog).
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Next: Choosing the Right Dog Breed for a Family

Does your dog like having his head pat by strangers? How about by you? Thank you for clicking on “comment” below and sharing your experiences.

RELATED: 7 Home Remedies for Your Dog

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