{"id":1916,"date":"2020-12-10T19:14:26","date_gmt":"2020-12-10T18:14:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.helene-pawsitive-solutions.com\/?p=1916"},"modified":"2023-01-26T03:59:42","modified_gmt":"2023-01-26T02:59:42","slug":"how-to-approach-a-dog-correctly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.helene-pawsitive-solutions.com\/en\/how-to-approach-a-dog-correctly\/","title":{"rendered":"How to approach a dog (correctly)"},"content":{"rendered":"

You love dogs and would like to pet them all? Me too!<\/p>\n\n\n

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But have you ever asked yourself if they want you to pet them? Approaching a dog, even one you know, needs some assessment and to respect the dogs limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, be polite…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some basic rules to avoid making Doggo uncomfortable, or worse… getting bitten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can apply these precautions to ANY dog.<\/mark> Small, big, that you already know or not, whether it’s a labrador or a German shepherd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is crucial to teach kids the best gestures and moves<\/mark>, since, because of their height, they’re more likely to be bitten in the face.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Take it easy!<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don’t run with your arms open yelling \u00ab\u00a0puppyyyyyyyyyy<\/em>\u00ab\u00a0! I know, sometimes holding it is reaaaaally hard!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there’s no better way to scare a dog, who wil live a traumatizing experience.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Walk calmly, stop a few steps before him, keep your hands near you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best is to slowly turn your body , to not directly face the dog. It’s a non-offensive posture for a dog (while starring and facing are confrontational). Then, wait for Doggo to come smell you and show you that theses preliminaries are conclusive on his side and that you can take the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that a dog who comes to smell you is absolutely not saying \u00ab\u00a0please pet me\u00a0\u00bb. Some actually are, while others are just interested in smelling you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep your eyes down!<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No need to start a staring contest, even if you’re looking at this beautiful labradoodle, with his eyes full of love. The dog will only see it as unsettling, and will feel uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask for permission!<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I know, it seems stupid, but that’s the least you can do. Just because the lady seems nice and her corgi seems soooooo fluffyyyyyy, doesn’t mean you can rush to him squeaking to pet him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine, someone finds you \u00ab\u00a0sooooo cuuuuuute<\/em>\u00a0\u00bb and takes you in their arms without asking! Not really pleasant, huh?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The least you can do is ask the handler if you can pet their dog. And respect their decision!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s go!<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even though everyone is ok for you to pet Doggo, there are still a few precautions to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n