As fellow dog lovers, it can be challenging to resist the want to approach any puppy we see on the streets and give them lots of affection and cuddles, just like we do with our own pets. Additionally, it’s nearly impossible to avoid trying to assist your dog in finding a new companion when our own dog is present.
While many dogs do enjoy getting attention, many others have their own set of traumas, behavioral traits, or are still undergoing leash or behavior’s dog training. A hasty approach could be harmful to you, your dog, or even the dog you’re meeting for the first time!
It’s challenging to consider dogs as anything other than some of the friendliest animals on the planet when you own one. To make dogs feel safe and at home, it’s important to respect the boundaries set by other dogs because each dog is built differently. In the end, for advice on how to interact with a puppy, always ask the dog’s caretaker.
Here Are Five Essential Do’s:
1 – DO SPEND SOME TIME ON IT:
It’s a commitment for life. Breeders are heavily responsible for ensuring that puppies are properly socialized to strangers and other canines because they house and care for the puppies throughout the first half of the crucial socialization period.
Depending on the rescue or shelter’s choice of training techniques, puppies that have been adopted may or may not have more or less behavioral problems than when they were surrendered. Examine the premises and training procedures of the breeder, shelter, or rescue group thoroughly. We think that the best option for dogs in need of homes is adoption!
2 – DO ASK FOR PERMISSION:
The owner is the best person to understand a dog. Always introduce yourself to the dog’s owner when meeting a friend’s dog or a dog out for a walk with its owner, especially if you’ve brought your own dog and it’s eager to make new friends.
First of all, if you are friendly with the dog’s owner, the dog will learn to regard you as a friend rather than an enemy. They might feel a little more open and at ease with you approaching them as a result.
Naturally, a dog’s owner will be able to tell you whether it’s okay to interact with their dog. Others may be sick or not in a good mood to interact, and some dogs get jittery around people or other dogs.
The dog you meet might still be in dog socialization classes or be undergoing dog training and not be aware of how to behave around other puppies. Before you or your dog touches or approaches another person’s dog, make sure the owner has given the go-ahead. You could also try directly asking them how to approach their dog!
3 – DO WATCH YOUR BODY LANGUAGE:
Dogs’ physiology differs greatly from that of any person, and as a result, they also display their emotions differently. In contrast to how we humans perceive smiling as a pleasant gesture, dogs perceive showing teeth as an aggressive gesture.
You should also be aware of the following body posture cues:
Avoid making eye contact with dogs since it signals to them that you want to contest their dominance. There’s a good risk they’ll react violently.
Avoid confronting them directly: Try approaching dogs from the side. This aids in keeping their body, and thus, their posture, in your line of sight. Additionally, it lessens your perceived threat, which will undoubtedly improve your impression.Be careful not to lean over the dog because humans are much taller than our animal friends. However, they will feel considerably more at ease in their own area if you crouch or kneel down and approach them from a lower angle.
In general, a relaxed dog is one that is sociable. Their mouths will be slightly open, and they may have a calm expression with their tails wagging. Overall, they should appear to be at ease, so if your dog is engaging with a stranger’s dog, keep an eye out for any indications of fear or nervousness in either dog that would indicate it’s time to leave or move on.
4 – DON’T CROSS BOUNDARIES:
Many dogs enjoy being petted and cuddled, but not all visitors. Always avoid touching the dog’s head or rear legs when socializing with a new dog because those areas are where they are most sensitive to other people touching them.
Petting a puppy on the head is hard to resist, but dogs are more sensitive there since it’s close to their eyes and nose, and it’s also dangerously close to their razor-sharp teeth. As an alternative, gently pet their chest, neck, or shoulders. But be cautious!
It’s time to leave and cease communicating with them if they begin to tense up or exhibit any other uncomfortable behavior’s. Make sure to respect a dog’s boundaries once they’ve finished interacting with you.
5 – DO OFFER THEM A HAND:
Try cautiously approaching the dog with the aforementioned tips once it becomes more at ease around you. When you are sufficiently close to the dog, bring your closed hand, palm facing down, in the direction of the dog’s snout.
By doing this, the dog has an opportunity to become accustomed to your scent and decide whether you are a buddy. Making a ball with your hands reduces the size of your hands and, consequently, the threat.
How do canines greet one another? They frequently recognize one another by smell, and when they do, the first place they sniff is under the other pup’s tail. They might even rub noses together and give each other a head rub. Therefore, as long as both dogs are in their comfort zones, it is okay if your dog jumps right to sniffing.
When you own a dog, it’s difficult to think of them as anything other than some of the friendliest animals on the planet. However, because every dog is built differently, it’s crucial to respect the boundaries set by other canines in order to make them feel secure and at home.
Don’ts to remember to ensure the safety and comfort of any pup you meet for the first time!
DON’T MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH A DOG:
Check to see if the dog even approaches you at first to see if you can determine whether the puppy isn’t interested in interacting with you or might react poorly to your approach.
A dog might, after all, respond instinctively with aggression if you approach them too quickly or directly. Let the dog come to you first, instead. They will feel much safer around you and have a lot more control over the situation this way.
If you’re walking around with your own puppy, hold onto their leash tightly, especially if they haven’t had much exposure to dog socialization. This way, in the event that either of them becomes hostile, you can respond quickly. However, in general, you can approach the owner of the other dog as long as both animals appear at ease and peaceful.
The caretaker of a dog should always be consulted for advice on how to interact with a puppy, in the end.
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