Tips on Avoiding Getting Bit
These tips are just some common sense advice and not a guarantee to prevent being bit since every dog is different and no one can predict an animals behavior 100%.
GET OWNERS PERMISSION - Ask the owner if you can pet the dog. Not only should this be your first and most important move since the owner is familiar with how their dog reacts to strangers, but it also helps the dog to feel that their master is accepting you and exchanging words with you so they feel more reassured.
IMPORTANCE OF APPROACH - Approach the dog from an angle but always keep within the dog's sight. In the canine world, it is a big no no to approach face to face. It is advised to approach from the side.
NO STARE DOWN - With dogs, staring them in the eye and holding that stare is equal to a challenge in their body language. Use a calm voice, blink often, and offer your profile.
READ THE DOGS LANGUAGE - You can sense what feeling the dog is going through by reading his body language. Observe the little things. You can sense a tenseness, a bracing of the stance, a stilled tail, flattened ears and other body tips that the dog is not comfortable and ready for some unpredictable action. Not a good time to approach and pet.
YOUR APPROACH - If you are finally ready to approach and pet the strange dog, approach slowly. Dogs do not like quick and jerky movements. Be gentle but not unsure of yourself. Offer your knuckles for the dog to sniff. After the dog has sniffed your closed hand, slowly start to scratch the dog under the chin. Once that move is accepted, your can slowly and gently move your hand to behind the ear area.
Never bring your hand down onto the dogs head. From the dog's
perspective,they may feel like he's about to be struck. And never swoop down a dog from above. Dogs do not like that move from strangers.
You've heard it before and it's true - dogs can sense your fear and emotions. Be calm and confident when you approach. If you are uncomfortable just don't do it.
