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We love dogs. And we want dogs to love us back! Here are some simple ways you can help new pups feel comfortable. Before you know it, you'll be the fan-favorite on your daily walks or visits with friends.
Do: Ask a dog's handler how to interact with them
First things first: Each dog parent knows their own pup best. Always follow specific instructions they give! If you want some guidance — or aren't sure a new connection feels confident enough to speak up on their own — you can ask things like:
- What are my rules for interacting with him?
- Does she have any favorite places to be pet?
- Will he tell me when he's had enough, or should I step away on my own?
Don't: Come on too strong right away
You see a cute pup, and your first instinct is to rush right over to say hi. Ours is too. We get it!
But many dogs — even otherwise friendly ones — aren't comfortable with strangers approaching quickly or making a lot of noise. Have you ever noticed how many pups gravitate towards people who say they actually don't like dogs that much? There's a reason for that: The best way to help a new canine adjust to your presence is to give them space to investigate you on their own terms... without trying to pet them right away.
Do: Move slowly and steadily
Instead of running up to a new dog with arms outstretched, try staying still and letting them come to you. It's fine to crouch down to their level as long as you don't rush it. (Think controlled movement... not frantic jump squat.)
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Don't: Make lasting eye contact
Looking someone new directly in the face is considered polite in our human world. For our dogs, though? It can be intimidating! We know it's tempting to stare deep into those cute puppy eyes — but try to resist the urge. Instead, turn your body to the side so you aren't squaring right up to a new dog, and look away every couple of seconds.
This better fits the way dogs greet each other in healthy social settings and will help them understand that you're not a threat.
Do: Take breaks from petting every few seconds
Some dogs are great at setting boundaries. If these pups don't like the way you're petting them, they'll walk off or duck their head. But others might be more timid — and they can easily feel trapped if a new person touches them for too long. When in doubt, pet for just a few seconds and then take your hand away. See what the dog does. If they retreat, let them go. If they look uncertain, err on the side of caution. If they nudge you for more affection, you're in the clear to keep showering with love!
Don't: Expect all dogs to like the same affection your own does
We fall into this trap as dog parents all the time. We're used to interacting with our own pets — so of course it's natural to greet other pups the same way! Remember that dog personalities can be as diverse as we humans are, though. Just because your pooch loves a certain type of petting doesn't mean everyone else's will. Instead of acting out of habit, try paying attention to in-the-moment signals to see how the dog you're meeting feels:
- Ear position (pulled tightly back can indicate discomfort)
- Body posture (crouching low might mean a dog is nervous while curving into your touch probably means they like it)
- Tail wagging (tight, fast wags or a tucked position show stress while loose, sweeping motions are a good sign)