Petting a dog, how hard can it be? While it may seem silly to write a whole article about how to pet a dog, you might be surprised how often we approach and show them affection in a way that isn’t liked, or can even scare them. Besides a negative experience, this can lead to biting incidents or other behavioural difficulties, especially when these incidents are recurring and dogs keep getting put in situations that are stressful to them. So, what is the best way to approach and pet a dog?
Ask permission from the person who is handling the dog.
Before approaching and touching a dog, always ask permission from the person who they are accompanied by. Not every dog likes to be petted, nor do we have the right to pet every dog. If the owner or handler appears to want to keep distance, respect this, as this most likely indicates that the dog does not like interaction. When asking permission, prevent pushing yourself into the personal space of the dog and handler, and instead keep a safe distance while speaking to them. This will be less threatening, and will also give the dog the chance to check you out from a distance. When you are asking permission for your child, be sure to keep them close to you, as kids can react unpredictable and might move up to the dog.
Look at the body language of the dog
Even if you get permission to approach and pet the dog, take a look at its body language before you do so. Not everyone may be comfortable declining requests, and owners and handlers can always misinterpreted the dog’s body language. A dog that may not be receptive to attention may show body language and calming signals such as:
- Lip-licking
- A tail that is tucked between the legs
- Ears that are pulled to the side of the head
- Lowered Head
- Body crouched down
- Avoidance of eye contact
- Whale eyes
- Furrowed brow
Let the dog approach you
If the dog seems open to meeting, let them approach you instead of pushing yourself into the personal space of the dog. Prevent bending over them as this can be threatening. Instead you can kneel or crouch, and position your body slightly sideways. Speak in a soft and calming voice, and prevent sudden and fast movements as they can trigger a fear response. Do not push your hand in the face of the dog, but instead keep it slightly extended by your side.
If the dog is interested in social interaction, they can move forward and sniff your hand. If they seem receptive, you can slowly move your hand forward and scratch the dog under the chin after letting them sniff. While we are often tempted to pet dogs on the head, this should be prevented, as most dogs do not like to be petted on the head by strangers.
Look at the dog’s response
After giving a few chin scratches, see how the dog responds to them, and withdraw your hand to give them the opportunity to move away if they aren’t feeling comfortable after all.
If the dog seems to want more pets, you can stroke other areas such as along the side of the neck, on the chest and shoulders, and under the chin, which are places most dogs are comfortable being touched. Prevent touching body parts that are vulnerable such as their lips, ears, tail, paws, and stomach. A dog that rolls on its back doesn’t always indicate they want belly rubs, and can also be a sign they feel uncomfortable, scared, and/or stressed.
When petting a dog keep in mind that strokes are often soothing, while short taps may be annoying. However, every dog is different and will like certain places or ways of being petted.
If the dog moves away or stiffens up, this is an indication they are uncomfortable, and petting should be stopped. Slowly withdraw your hand and move away. Prevent sudden and fast movements as they can trigger a fear response.
Conclusion
While we are often tempted to approach dogs and pet them on the head, from a dog’s perspective this can be perceived as threatening and/or intimidating. They rather would initiate contact themselves and be touched on the side of the neck, on the chest and shoulders, and under the chin. By approaching dogs in a way they like, we can make interactions enjoyable for everyone, prevent negative experiences and biting incidents, which is positive for all parties involved.
Would you like to know more about our dog sitting, dog walking, or dog training services, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help.