Introducing Yourself to a Dog

I carry dog treats when I'm working. Hand the dog one and no introduction necessary. They immediately know I'm a friend. ;)

Funny how that works.

Pugsters was going absolutely berserk barking and carrying on because of two dogs in front of the house. I mean she was going nuts! Hollered out, ya want a treat , and she immediately went silent and sat. :rolleyes:
 
Had a client that lived up in the hills with 5 dogs.Set up the job and met the dogs.Her workday started at 5 am,so I had a key to get in.The first morning,the leader of the pack(GS) decided I couldn't come in,so I bribed him with my donut and life was good.Every single morning until the end of the job he gave me holy hell until I bribed him.Smart dog [emoji1]
 
If the dog is with it's owner I ignore the dog initially and only talk with owner. I keep my hands to my sides, palms facing my legs, fingers curled in. I let the dog sniff me-it immediately knows I have a female dog. I will glance down at the pooch to see how's it reacting. If it appears curious, uninterested or friendly I'll gently pet it by it's ear. All of this happens in about half the time it took to read it, lol.
 
What gets me is the number of dullards who ask if they can pet my dog. Uh, let's see ... I am moving away from and keeping space, and he has a muzzle on. Why, yes, yes you can. It just might not work well.:mad:

Today, I stopped at a store and was parked next to a pickup truck. 2 dogs were in it, looking out the open back windows. I spoke to them, one in particular who seemed sad he could not go in. I did not get near them, because they were in their truck and would be justified in being disagreeable if I got too close.
 
Last edited:
You could do it by phone...:p

445327ba10a6edbd96ab80f94f2d859e14d45266d6e913727c5c2c6669c3e0a6.jpg
 
Both palms down, flat on the floor, and both knees on the floor while we sniff butts. :p

Seriously though: those of you who pet a newly-introduced dog on the head, be aware that dogs who might be uncomfortable with you will not like that your hand is above their head. Instead, give them a chest rub, which is more comforting to them.

Also, be aware that a dog's yawning is not a signal of boredom or sleepiness, when in a stressful situation. It means that the dog is feeling very anxious, and is a sign to watch out for. Not a good time to be trying to get more friendly with it.
 
Last edited:
Took a tip from Mel Gibson when he met the Rottweiler in one of the Lethal Weapon flicks. Give them a dopey dog grin with head to side and tongue out. Found that unless the dog is already berserk they will tilt back and give me that second or so to determine how to proceed.
 
Soooooooooooooooo very glad to see your back:D:D:D

Have we started a pool yet?:D

Yes, and unfortuneately you won. Caj also wants it shaved.

How I respond to a dog depends upon the owner. If the dog is reluctant to approach, I will generally talk calmly to it then ignore it. I try to be non-threatening. If the owner is a hot looking lady, I will make an effort to be friendly to their dog; kneel down to the dog's level and let the dog take a quick sniff of my hand before scratch their cheeks (sign of affection). Then the questions starts, "Cute puppy, what's his name?", "How old?", etc.

Asking my dog is useless; she loves everyone who will pet her. If she doesn't get a pet, she will go on to the next person. Her favorite are those that knock on our door. She goes batty for affection. Makes for an interesting Holloween. Last Holloween she kept trying to leave with the children.
 
Kneeling down, one hand, palm up, talking to dog and showing him/her that there's no threat. Let the dog sniff for awhile, more often if necessary before getting up and playing with it.
 
If you find the right dog it doesn't matter. This little one loves everyone.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20140806_103618.jpg
    IMG_20140806_103618.jpg
    80.5 KB · Views: 35
Palm down with gentle "hello" words and tone. Seems to work for me.

I watch the ears, tail, and body language to make sure all is o.k.
 
Back
Top