Approaching a strange dog: Ask the dog’s owner if it’s okay to pet him. The dog may seem friendly, but if you don’t know him, there’s no way to know how he’ll react to a stranger. It’s best to ask the dog’s owner if it’s okay to pet him first, and following the owner’s advice, ask him what parts of the dog he likes to be petted. Ways to Approach a Strange Dog: Be Careful When a Dog Has No Owner If you see an ownerless dog wandering the streets, walk carefully and stay put for your own safety, if necessary. Dogs that are tethered or left in yards and other places where space is limited are more likely to bite, as are dogs that eat or chew. Be careful when approaching these dogs and give up the idea of petting them when they show any signs of aggression. Approaching strange dogs: When a dog shows any sign of aggression or discomfort, back off immediately. Signs of aggression include a low growl, loud barking, an upright tail or a stiff body. Signs that indicate discomfort, fear, or anxiety include licking the lips and showing the whites of the eyes. If the dog does not calm down or approach you within thirty seconds, do not continue to try to pet it. Ways to Approach a Strange Dog: Bend or Crouch Down to Get the Dog to Approach You Ways to Approach a Strange Dog: Coax a Shy Dog to Approach If you can’t get the dog’s attention after you crouch down and he acts shy or easily frightened, avert your gaze because eye contact can make him feel threatened. Make some gentle, quiet coaxing noises, and be sure to avoid making sounds that are too loud or that might frighten the dog. You can turn your body to the side, which will make you look a little less threatening. Ask the owner for his dog’s name and use the name to coax him. Some dogs are trained to respond to their names already. Ways to Approach a Strange Dog: Extend a Fist Ways to Approach a Strange Dog: Notice if the dog feels comfortable If its muscles are loose, or it makes brief eye contact with you, or it wags its tail, this may mean it feels more comfortable with you. In this case, you can move on to the next step, but when he tries to leave, stop petting and bring your still fist to him again.
