Dogs don't shake hands like people do, they use their nose to say hello. So, hold your hand in a fist so they can approach and sniff if they choose. Don't thrust your hand at the dog. They can smell you just fine from a distance, and the sudden movement could startle them.
It's OK to pet the dog if he looks relaxed, comes up to you, and solicits your attention by rubbing against you. Avoid hugging, kissing, and patting roughly. This is too familiar and disliked by many dogs. Avoid reaching into their safety zone.
Before any petting gets underway, let the dog sniff your hand. Hold your hand out flat to the dog and let him approach you. If he gets a sniff and wants to move forward, go ahead and pet him.
You can make direct eye contact, but avoid staring for very long or the dog may feel threatened or challenged. Glance at the dog and smile. This can make the dog feel relaxed. Research shows that dogs can detect anger in facial expressions, so smiling is an important way to appear friendly.
Why Do Dog Trainers Prefer German Training Commands? Your dog won't mistake your conversational words with commands. German is a clear, distinctive language for dogs to understand. You can reteach a particular behavior if your dog struggles with the English command.
Your dog must 'say please' by performing a cue (e.g. sit, touch) before getting what they want. For example, your dog must sit before being fed, going outside, being petted, putting on the leash, and/or given attention.
Dogs typically learn shorter words and commands faster, so make it easy for both parties and name them something unchallenging. A hard consonant with a high frequency (sh, s, ck, etc.) or long vowel sounds (“ay” or “ee”) are optimal for grabbing attention.
Don't stare, shout at, or loom over a dog – all these things can seem confrontational to a dog, which might cause them to react or be afraid. Approach side on in a calm, gentle manner.
Getting in a Dog's Face and Personal Space
Much like hugging, dogs tend to dislike it when humans get in their faces. Think about how it would make you feel! Avoid putting your hands in a dog's face, towering over dogs, and rushing towards them. This is especially important if the dog does not know you well.
Consider no greeting at all. As we discussed above, sometimes what your dog needs most of all is to break the association between someone coming through the door, and the PARTY. Consider waiting until later in the day to have your snuggle-fest instead of doing it when you get home.
Greeting dogs politely is key to staying safe. It lets working dogs work, and training dogs train. It lets owners in a rush continue on their walk and it keeps uncomfortable or frightened dogs inside a safe bubble. Remember that just because a dog is outside doesn't mean you have the right to approach it.
MEET AND GREET TIPS:
Never reach over a dog's head, approaching from the side rather than face on is considered polite. Spend time interacting the dog, remember as much as you are “interviewing” the dog we are also trying to gauge the dog's reaction to you. Take some time physically with the dog.
Teach Your Dog To Say “Yes”
Move your fist up and down in a very slow motion so he moves his head up and down watching the motion and then give him the treat. Repeat a few times. Next, practice without the treat in your fist and give him a treat from your other hand. He will learn that the fist is the signal for “yes.”
One of the common ways your dog will try to say sorry is by making “puppy eyes” or tucking its tail between its legs. Avoiding eye contact and lowering their ears are also common ways for dogs to apologize. They also watch for your reaction.
Licking another dog or human's face is normal social behavior for dogs. Puppies lick their mother's face to ask for food, or it can be a way for your dog to show affection, appeasement or solicit attention. Licking your face (akin to giving kisses) is a way dogs show their love and gratitude to you.
And each dog's greeting ritual is unique—some dogs might wag their tail and lick their owners, and other might jump on their owners or whine or bark at them in greeting. One of the more quirky greetings is when a dog greets you with his favorite toy in his mouth.
If the dog continues to lunge or jump at you, try to protect your face by turning away. If the dog is large enough to push you over, tuck yourself up into a ball and clasp your hands around the back of your head whilst trying to remain as calm and quiet as possible.
Do not kick or punch the dog if at all possible (that might escalate in their arousal). Once the attack is over, immediately get yourself, your dog or your child away. Don't turn around, try to get further control of the situation, or try to find the owner.
Stay calm, and back away slowly. Instead of screaming, or yelling at the dog, speak to him in a soothing tone as you slowly back away. Don't make direct eye contact. Staring in the eyes of an aggressive dog may prompt him to attack.