Meeting a Dog for the First Time 

As a dog lover, one of our first instincts when we meet a dog for the first time is to pet and cuddle them at first sight.  However, we must understand that not all dogs behave and react in the same way.  It is best practice to take caution and be responsible when meeting a dog for the first time.  In this article, we will give you a handful of tips to make your initial encounter with a new dog safe and successful.

The first thing you will need to do is respect the dog and its owner’s space.  Before you approach a new dog, it is best to ask the owner if it is okay to interact with their dog.  Never invade a dog’s space and force yourself upon them.  If the owner gives you the okay, allow the dog to come to you.  If you feel comfortable, squat down to their level.  You may want to avoid eye contact at first as this may seem like a lot to process to the dog.

You will also need to keep your hands to your sides.  By taking a slow and easy approach, it will help keep the dog calm as it gets to know you.  It is important to understand that each dog is different so you will need to pay close attention to how they respond.  You will be able to give the dog a scratch under their chin when they are comfortable.

Most importantly, you will need to listen to the dog’s body language.  Just like humans, dogs have different personalities and moods.  Sometimes even a friendly dog wants to be left alone.  You will need to be well acquainted with a new dog before you hug and/or show increased affection towards them.  Be aware of bad behavior.  If a dog jumps on you, the best course of action is to simply turn away or take a few steps back.

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when meeting a new dog for the first time.  It is important that you build trust so that the dog is comfortable with you.  Do not try to skip steps as establishing a relationship takes time and patience.