health@holisticvetsussex.co.uk

If you love dogs, it can be hard to stop yourself giving every dog you see a friendly fur ruffle. You love dogs, dogs love you, what’s the problem? The problem is that some dogs are not comfortable with people they don’t know coming close to them or their people and certainly would rather not be touched by a stranger.

Even if you are confident around dogs or a dog owner yourself, always assess whether it will be safe or sensible to approach a dog you don’t know. If the dog and handler are relaxed and don’t seem in a rush to be somewhere then this might be the time for a calm interaction. If the handler seems to be trying to shield their dog or is preoccupied with something else, you might need to walk on by without a stroke.

Ask the owner

Most parents are very good at training their children to ask before stroking a dog, but adults often forget this golden rule themselves. Only approach a dog that is relaxed and with their handler. Never approach a dog that is in a vehicle, tied up outside a shop, or in a crate at a dog show.

Be prepared to be told that you can’t touch a dog, and do not be upset or angry. The dog’s handler may explain why you can’t interact with their dog and common reasons include:

• the dog could be in training or working
• the dog might be ill, in discomfort, or be recovering from surgery
• the dog may be overexcited or on the verge of overexcitement
• the dog may be nervous, anxious, stressed, or have a behavioural problem
• the dog might have just been prepared for the showring with not a hair out of place
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Some dogs may wear collars and lead which alert passers by from a distance about their needs.

• Red may mean ‘needs space, do not approach’
• Orange may mean ‘keep dogs away’
• Green may mean ‘friendly’
• White may be used for deaf or bind dogs
• Yellow can mean ‘I am up for adoption’ or ‘nervous, give me space’
• Blue is often used for dogs in training or working
• Purple may mean ‘do not feed’

Dogs may also wear vests or have writing on their lead which says they are nervous, in training, working, or friendly but never assume that you can approach and touch a dog without asking the handler first!

Approaching dogs

Many of us were taught to approach a dog with our hand outstretched for them to sniff. Dogs have an excellent sense of smell and do not need to be close to our hand to check us out. Thrusting your hand towards a dog can be seen as threatening, or they may lunge forward expecting a treat.

Instead of putting your hand towards the dog approach calmy from the side, don’t stare at the dog, and say a friendly ‘hello.’ If the handler has told you their dog’s name use this as dogs seem to accept people who know their name. A dog who is keen to meet you will move towards you and sniff.

Observe dog for Signs of Stress

As the dog approaches and sniffs you watch for any body language that might indicate stress or anxiety. These may include:

• The dog stretching forward but not moving closer
• The tail between the legs or wagging only at the tip
• ‘Whale eye’ with lots of white showing
• Lip licking
• Stress wrinkles around the mouth and on the forehead
• Crouching, rolling over, whining

If you are concerned that the dog is showing stress, take a step backwards and see what the dog does. They may be grateful for the extra space and withdraw, or they may feel more comfortable and be happier to interact.

Touching dogs

If the dog has sniffed you and seems keen to stay close to you, they may be happy for you to stroke them. Never lean over and reach for their head as this is an intimidating  posture. Dogs are often more comfortable with a chest or chin scratch, or long slow stroking along their back.

Some dogs may be more comfortable if you crouch down closer to their height, but make sure you will be able to stand up quickly if you need to and won’t be knocked down by and over affectionate dog! Most dogs prefer to be stroked in the direction their hair grows, and avoid sensitive areas like ears, the tummy, and the tail.

After a few seconds of stroking a dog take your hand away and let the dogs decide whether they want to continue the interaction. If the dog moves away, then your petting time is over. If the dog moves back to you or nudges your hand, then they want some more stroking and scratching!

Remember to listen to the dog’s owner too. If they ask you to stop stroking the dog, there will be a reason. They may have noticed their dog is becoming too excited, or they may simply need to get on with their day.

Some dogs like the attention of strangers too much and they may not be respectful of your personal space. If the dog starts jumping up, barging into you, or getting mouthy calmy stand up and back away allowing the handler to get their dog back under control. Never try to correct the behaviour yourself.

Never cuddle, hug, or restrain a dog that you are meeting. Always make sure they can move away from you if they want to. Restrained or cornered dogs are more likely to wriggle, growl, or snap.

Approaching Small Dogs

Small dogs may feel more confident if you can sit on a chair or crouch down. They may be used to jumping up at people or onto their laps so be prepared! Make sure you aren’t in a vulnerable position where the dog can knock you over or you can’t stand up quickly.

Approaching big dogs

Larger dogs may become too excited if you crouch down and may even see this as an invitation to rough play. Instead approach at an angle to avoid a head on greeting with too much eye contact. Invite the dog to come towards you rather than reaching for them.

Teaching Children to interact with dogs

The ideal default position for children should be to watch dogs from a distance and never attempt to touch them unless invited by the owner. Older children can be taught to ask before touching a dog, but must understand they may be told ‘no’.

Children should follow the same guidelines as adults when meeting dogs, but they may need more coaching on what to do if the dog licks or tickles them, and they may need more help to stay calm. Children need to understand that sudden movements and loud noises can excite or frighten dogs. Children should never be forced to interact with a dog if they don’t want to.

Children (and adults) may be approached by of lead dogs in parks and at the beach and are at risk of being chased, knocked over, or even bitten. The following advice is essential for all children to learn.

• If a dog is running about, be a tree! Stand still, fold in your branches (arms), and look at the sky. This makes you boring to a dog.
• If a dog knocks you over, be a rock! Tuck your arms and legs in and stay very still. This also makes you boring for the dog.
• If a dog steals your toy do not chase the dog or try to take the toy. Ask a grown up for help.
• If a dog is lying or sitting in your place do not try to push or pull them off. Ask a grown up for help.
• If you have food and a dog won’t leave you alone, drop the food. This is better than getting bitten.

Dogs can be more nervous around children than adults because children are less predictable in their movements and actions. If a child asks to stroke your dog remember that you are allowed to say ‘no’ , and if you allow the child to pet your dog watch closely for sings your dog is uncomfortable.