Q&A for How to Meet a Dog for the First Time

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Should you crouch down when meeting a dog for the first time?

Melissa Muñoz
Animal Trainer
Melissa Munoz is an Animal Trainer and the Owner of Pawsitive Perspective Animal Training. She has more than 16 years of experience in reward-based animal training, exotic animal management, and wildlife education. Melissa holds degrees in Animal Behavior and Ethology, Wildlife Education, and Animal Management from the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College.

Melissa Muñoz

Animal Trainer

Expert Answer

Yes, definitely. Try getting down to the dog's level and offering your hand in a calm and non-confrontational way so the dog can smell it.

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Question

How do you meet and greet a dog?

Melissa Muñoz
Animal Trainer
Melissa Munoz is an Animal Trainer and the Owner of Pawsitive Perspective Animal Training. She has more than 16 years of experience in reward-based animal training, exotic animal management, and wildlife education. Melissa holds degrees in Animal Behavior and Ethology, Wildlife Education, and Animal Management from the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College.

Melissa Muñoz

Animal Trainer

Expert Answer

Avoid a lot of direct eye contact, because for many dogs, eye contact is a form of threatening behavior. Crouch down, offer your hand and talk to them soothingly. Just let the dog approach you on its own terms.

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Question

How do you get a shy dog to come to you?

Melissa Muñoz
Animal Trainer
Melissa Munoz is an Animal Trainer and the Owner of Pawsitive Perspective Animal Training. She has more than 16 years of experience in reward-based animal training, exotic animal management, and wildlife education. Melissa holds degrees in Animal Behavior and Ethology, Wildlife Education, and Animal Management from the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College.

Melissa Muñoz

Animal Trainer

Expert Answer

Try throwing treats towards the dog to lure it near you and show you're not a threat.

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Question

What about when a dog is meeting another dog for the first time?

Community Answer

Hold your dog back a little on the leash but allow him/her to sniff the other dog's nose. If they both seem calm and not frightened, scared or angry give your dog a bit of slack and allow them have a good sniff. They will smell each other's genitals, but this is normal as they are just checking out if the other dog is a male or female. If the situation gets rowdy or one or both of the dogs start acting odd, angry or scared walk away from the other dog, bringing your pooch with you.

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I met a new dog and I didn't know any better and I stared at them and pet their head. How can I not make them feel intimidated by me?

Community Answer

Staring at a dog one time will not have a major effect on how the dog feels about you, especially if it's a very tame/friendly dog. Next time you see the dog, crouch down its level so it sees that you're not a threat.

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I want to walk my dog for the first time and it refuses to let me clip his lease, what should I do?

Community Answer

Lure him to you with a small treat. Tell him to sit, give him the treat. Keep giving him small treats for sitting patiently and then clip his leash. He will get used to the routine.

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Question

Does a dog wagging its tail always mean it's happy?

Community Answer

Well, when a dog wags its tail upwards and quickly, it's excited. When it wags slowly, it questions your leadership and wants you to explain what you are doing at that moment. It doesn't always mean it's happy, but most of the time they don't question leadership.

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My friend has a border collie and I'm nervous because, when I knock on the door, she starts growling. What should I do if she does that?

Community Answer

Stay calm. If the dog knows you're scared, it will be protective of its territory.

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How do I know a dog is nervous or becoming aggressive?

Community Answer

The dog may back up and signal with its body that it is scared by raising its hackles and lowering its tail. It may also make growling noises and/or bare its teeth.

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I am really afraid of dogs, how do I overcome this?

Community Answer

Ask people you know if they have a really friendly dog you can meet. Prepare yourself and tell yourself that you trust the person. It might be scary, and some dogs can be mean, but the owner knows their dog better than anyone. Ensure the dog is kept restrained at all times while you get to know it. And having therapy can really help too.

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