No Hugs Rule
Hugging your dog is okay because your dog allows you to hug them. Your dog knows that you are a hugger and as a dog, he respects your human emotions. In the dog world, hugs are strange because dogs don’t hug when they meet. So, no matter how much you want to cuddle a stranger’s dog, don’t do it. However, a pat or rub might be welcomed by a strange dog if the owner is around.
Greet the Dog
The best way to greet a dog is to let the dog smell you. When meeting a dog for the first time, put your hand a little forward so that the dog can smell it. Once the dog takes a sniff, and seems okay with it, go on patting the dog on the neck, chest, or tummy. Pet the dog in such a way that the dog can see your hands coming towards their body. Surprise pats and quick motions can make the dog uncomfortable so avoid sudden movement and touching.
Observe
Before you jump to pet the dog, observe the dog’s behavior. When you plan on petting a dog, you are neither trying to scare the dog nor make the dog aggressive. So, look at the dog’s body language. Do you think the dog is moving away or hiding from you? The dog is probably scared or uncomfortable. Let the dog have some times to get used to your presence. Similarly, a growling or barking dog or a dog showing signs of aggression is not welcoming you for physical affection. Only if the dog is approaching you with tongue hanging out or a happy face, then pet him. Otherwise, wait for a little while to understand the dog’s behavior.
Be Gentle
Not all dogs are used to getting squishes and rough pats and rubs. When meeting a dog for the first time, pat the dog gently and slide your hands in the direction of hair growth. The pat should help calm the dog, show friendliness and build trust.
Avoid Looking into the Dog’s Eyes for Longer
Looking into someone’s eyes is a way of showing confidence among humans but in the dog world, it’s a sign of showing aggression and power. Your dog looking at you constantly while seeking attention is one thing but a strange dog, would not do that or like you do that. Look away after a while and avoid maintain eye contact with the dog. The dog might get uncomfortable and intimidated by you.
