Q&A - How Should I Greet A Dog?

You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all the other podcast platforms. New episodes post on Tuesdays.

DSTP Q&A Greet A Dog.jpg

About The Episode

For this Q&A minisode, John Bartlett answers about the best way to greet a dog. Importantly, he reminds us to always ask permission from dog owners before touching their animals. Several suggestions on greeting a dog are highlighted within the episode.

Episode Transcript

I’m sure this has happened to most of us: You’re out in public, you see a dog, and you just have to pet it. What do you do? If your answer is “rush over and start petting it,” then you may want to reconsider your approach. We’d like to talk to you about the best way to greet a dog that best serves both the dog and their owner.

Welcome to the Dog Save the People, a podcast about how dogs make our lives better. I’m your host, John Bartlett. This episode continues our Question & Answer series, where we take listener questions. My answers are based on my own personal experience and research, as well as our previous guest experts. If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, reach out to us at dogsavethepeople.com, where you can email us directly or connect to us on social media.

In today’s mini episode, we’re going to talk about how to greet a dog. As dog owners, we have certain responsibilities when we walk our dogs in public: First, we’re responsible for the safety of our dogs, and that means protecting them from people who might harm them. Second, we’re responsible for preventing our dogs from biting people.

With that in mind, always ask the dog’s human companion for permission to pet the dog – and respect that person’s answer. Especially if they say no. Remember: this isn’t your dog. And if the dog’s owner is telling you no, then there’s probably a good reason. Maybe the dog doesn’t like strangers, or perhaps the dog is working or in special training.

If the answer is yes, then stay calm and speak to the dog in a calm, reassuring voice. You may want to turn a little to the side, crouch down, and let the dog come to you. If the dog approaches, you can offer the palm of your hand for a “sniff test” and you can generally tell if the dog is comfortable to proceed. After the sniff test, gently pet the dog’s shoulder, chest or neck – but not the top of the head. 

Always be aware of the dog’s body language. A happy dog will have relaxed ears, soft eyes and will probably be wagging their tail. A nervous or uncomfortable dog might have her ears pinned back against their head. Their eyes could be wide with the whites showing, or they could be trying to back away from you. If the dog isn’t interested in being greeted or if they start to appear stressed, praise them or say something to the owner and continue on your way.

A lot of times when I’m out walking my dogs on the street, I get people who come up wanting to pet my dogs – which is totally fine, my dogs love humans. But many times (and I’ve done this myself), you’ll get so excited that you’ll reach out and you’ll reach above their heads. And a lot of dogs do not like this. I know that with my Bernese Mountain Dog, Hug, if someone reaches out to him on top of his head or they’re reaching out at his face, he will start barking at them. He doesn’t like it.

So for me, it’s really important to have someone approach the dog slowly, possible get down to their level, and to reach underneath their face, underneath their jaw, so they can be a little more gentle and not shock or scare the dog. I love walking around my neighborhood because I get to meet new dogs, and then I get to meet their owners. It’s a wonderful way to socialize.

What techniques do you use for greeting dogs? Let us know! Reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop us a line at dogsavethepeople@gmail.com. And if you have a question that we should answer, send it our way!

About The Host - John Bartlett

John Bartlett is an NYC-based fashion designer who has a passion for dogs and always has a home of loving animals. Currently, he is the proud owner of two rescues and a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog. John is a graduate of Harvard University and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). He created his own eponymous “John Bartlett” Men’s Fashion collection in 1991, and later created a specialty line of dog-themed apparel and accessories with all profits supporting his “Tiny Tim Rescue Fund” (named after his three-legged rescue dog of the same name). Bartlett has long championed the issues of animal rights and welfare. He has worked alongside the Humane Society of the United States, the North Shore Animal League, and other animal rights organizations helping to raise awareness and spread the message of compassion.

Featured Links

Question & AnswerJack SommerQ&A