How to Pet a Dog You Don't Know

ALWAYS ask the owner first. My overly friendly lab loves everybody but I don't like everybody touching her as it over excites her and calming her down can be a challenge for me. Also don't smile showing a lot of teeth to unfamiliar dogs - not all but some dogs may see this as threatening (snarling). And yes let the dog come to you - not all dogs want attention or to be petted - AFTER the dog has come to you let them sniff a closed hand. Ive been told to pet with that same hand. If you bring in the other hand too fast to pet the dog may become fearful or defensive. And pet away from the mouth - just as a precaution unless the owner says otherwise.

The best suggestion I've seen on here is to ask the owner. She or he will be more familiar with the dog than you. It's not a perfect solution but it more often than not works. Also, if the dog sees you communicating with it's owner, less likely to see you as a threat. The one about extending a fist to protect your fingers is a good one too. Personally, I've found the little dogs more prone to being "nippy" than a big one but like one person said ... they are individuals.

All of my dogs (and cats) love to have their heads patted - in fact if you stop, they stick their head back under your arm. Also, like Stagetech, I find I can either approach most animals or they will come right up to me and beg to be petted. I think animals can sense when you aren't afraid of them and also that you mean them no harm

Some people just can't get it threw their head not all dogs like strangers. I have a lab that just don't trust people and really doesn't like other dogs at all. She will let strangers pet her but it must be on her turms. She has to come to you. She will smell your hand and then get close enough so you can pet here as long as she can see your hand coming. Once you get passed this you have a friend for life. If you just walk up and reach for her she will back up. If you grab her trying to force her to be friends you better count your fingers because you may have a few missing before you can get away.
Best thing to do is ask the owner first. They know the best way to befriend their dog or just let it alone.

I disagree with rajjajinn I have had big dogs and very small dogs i currently have small ones now. some of the bigger ones i had would growl& snap at friends so we had to put them in another room.

large dogs are ok but small ones are mean. . . .nodoutaboutit !

I was always taught put the back of your had to the dog for it to smell.

i dont get close to dogs or the owner if i dont know them.period.

i'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT YOU SHOW YOUR HAND PALM UP TO A STRANGE DOG. LET THEM SNIFF IT. tHEN PET THEM. AM I WORNG?

I had a child walk up & hug my golden retriever on a walking path & the parents said nothing. I talked to the child about it. This dog had bitten previously with a different owner. We both went through training & he became a perfect gentleman (dog) afterwards. Ultimately the owner is responsible & I wouldn't take a dog out who may bite. That being said, I couldn't believe how fast this kid hugged my dog, before I could do anything about it.