Have. you ever seen your dog go up to say 'Hi', and then completely duck away as the person goes to stroke them?
(If you haven’t, look out and see what they do next time someone does it).
Alto has sometimes - talk about mixed signals.
Here's why...
Stroking over the top of the head is normally tolerated, rather than liked by dogs. They can’t see where your hand is going, it blocks off their senses like sight, and for shy dogs, a looming hand can be scary indeed.
So that old advice of 'offer your hand out to the dog to smell doesn't always go down so well....
As always this is all relative. Firstly, it depends on who is doing the handling - they might not care what you do as they know and love you, but are less keen on strangers.
And I do know that there are some dogs who love people SO MUCH that they couldn’t care less as long as they have attention; even so, these tips will work for them too!
Here are things you can do to win dogs over even more:
♥️Let the pup approach you
♥️If they come in close, stroke their chest and sides - they love that and can see what your hand is doing!
♥️Avoid stroking the top of the head. If you are going to let them sniff, offer your hand held low and close to your body, palm facing out, rather than a fist held straight out.
♥️(The best one) - stop after a couple of moments and take your hands away. They will be VERY clear if they want more as they will either come closer for more, or move away for you to stop, & they learn you are reading their language
♥️If a dog is a bit shy or anxious, try to be casual about it - don’t try and win them over by luring or coaxing closer (they know what you are doing!)
♥️Try to go down to the dog’s level and stand side on, as that is the most friendly approach rather than a looming figure standing directly face on. Try not to stand or bend over them, too.
♥️Always let dogs move away if they want to
♥️ If you're the Dog Mum and your dog is doing this, teach your dog a 'move away' signal so you can help them out if someone is a little over exuberant.
Honestly, these tips have helped me make friends with so many dogs over the years!
Have you ever seen your dog back away from a well meaning person?