If you can, squat down so you are level with the dog, but avoid making eye contact as that may seem confrontational to the dog. Definitely avoid bending over the dog because even a smiling face can be scary to a dog when it is looming over them.
So keep things as quiet and consistent as possible for the first week or more. Feed and walk your dog, and come and go from work around the same times each day. When you do leave home, consider leaving your dog with an enrichment item, such as a stuffed treat toy or puzzle food bowl.
The amount of time each individual pet needs to adjust to their new homes will vary, but the 3-3-3 rule helps give an approximation of what new pet owners can expect. The 3-3-3 rule refers to the first 3 days, the first 3 weeks, and the first 3 months after bringing a shelter animal home.
Allow the dog to approach and sniff your hand without reaching your hand out to them. If the dog is comfortable being in your space and showing relaxed body language, you can try to stroke them. Gently reach out with the back of your hand and stroke the dog's shoulders, chest or under their chin, which most dogs enjoy.
Dogs have amazing senses of smell – they can gather information just fine from where you are, so go ahead and keep your hands safely to yourself!
The sniff test for a dog is his way of shaking hands. 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.
Conclusion. Dogs smell hands because it is a natural part of their world. They learn about you – and everything else – through their powerful sense of smell. Remember to respect this part of them, and that it is a totally normal behavior for your dog!
When dogs don't feel able to move away – which they may not when in physical contact with us – they may resort to telling us to back off in less desirable ways. Give dogs a way of “opting in” to social contact by using the “3-second rule” of petting. Pet for no more than three seconds, then stop.
Keep a steady, calm, but friendly tone
When you do speak to the dog, you want to be friendly but calm and speak in a normal or even low voice. Excited, squeaky voices that many use with dogs (guilty!) is not the best voice for a first meeting. It can be interpreted as unpredictable and put some dogs on edge.
These are clear expressions of non-aggressive social invitation. Warning signs include stiffness in the body; standing tall; ears pricked hard forward; growling; hard direct eye contact; stiffly raised, fast-wagging tails; lunging on the leash; and aggressive barking.
Handled by owner & family members twelve (12) times a week – Hold under arm, hold to chest, hold on floor near owner, hold in-between owner's legs, hold head, look in ears, hold paws, hold and take temperature (with veterinarian's assistance), hold like a baby, hold & trim toenails (with veterinarian's assistance), ...
Dogs have a unique way of saying 'thank you' to their humans from licking, sniffing to cuddling. "Dogs are often called man's best friend for a good reason.
Animals – even our beloved pets – can spread germs that can make people sick, from parasites to bacteria. Even clean and healthy pets can spread germs. Odds are that you aren't washing your hands enough around your pets. Handwashing is the easiest and best way to stay healthy around animals.
Proctor says people should be aware that not all dogs want to be hugged or kissed. “Most people do not pick up on a dog's subtle body language that shows fear, stress or aggression,” she wrote. “Putting your face into a dog's face and kissing it could lead to a bite on the face if you are not careful.”
When close enough, the dogs will greet each other. A good greeting would be the dogs walking up to each other, sniffing, and ending at sniffing each other's behinds. After the butt-sniff — this is the dog handshake — they should be friendly to play.
Always use respect, caution, and awareness. Slow your pace, and use a gentle tone. If you know the dog is shy or fearful, change your body language. Approach toward the side of the dog, not head on, and avoid direct eye contact.
While the areas of the human body most sensitive to touch are the fingertips, the most sensitive part of the canine body is the muzzle. Dog's paws are much less sensitive than the human hand, and with good reason. Dogs use their paws to walk.
Areas to Avoid
The genitals and anus are obvious areas to stay away from; dogs are protective of these areas just like humans. In general, other areas to avoid petting include the face, tail, feet, and legs. Hugging a dog should also be avoided unless you are certain the dog likes it.
Most dogs dislike being touched on top of the head and on the muzzle, ears, legs, paws and tail. Slow petting, similar to gentle massage or light scratching, can calm a dog down.