Local dog shows and events are an excellent opportunity to meet dogs, owners, and club members who can answer your questions about the breeds they know and love. Take note of sensitive areas. It’s always a good idea to squat down and keep your voice in a softer register, when you first meet a dog. //

License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-2.jpg\/aid6201030-v4-728px-Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"

License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-3.jpg\/aid6201030-v4-728px-Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"

License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-4.jpg\/aid6201030-v4-728px-Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"

License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-5.jpg\/aid6201030-v4-728px-Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"

License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-6.jpg\/aid6201030-v4-728px-Meet-a-Dog-for-the-First-Time-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"

License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)
\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Keep the dogs separated at first. Do not be afraid to politely tell the other owner that you are "Training Bowie to be calm around other dogs, so cannot meet", or that "Your dog is frightened of other dogs, so cannot meet". Especially if the dogs will be living together, introducing the scent of the other dog before they meet can help the transition go smoothly. While the dog is meeting you, you can meet the owner. If the dog is tethered outside of a shop or otherwise unattended, it's best to leave them be and just admire them from afar. Be careful, yet confident, when meeting a dog for the first time. Ask people you know if they have a really friendly dog you can meet. Finding your new best friend is exciting! They seem like a great fit. Diabetes In Dogs & Cats: Everything You Need To Know, All About Microchipping (May is National Chip Your Pet Month), Is Obedience Training Right For My Dog? They learn to know you by your smell. Well, when a dog wags its tail upwards and quickly, it's excited. Ensure the dog … For safety sake, we recommend somewhere in public too – like a quiet park or even a sports field. He will get used to the routine. Introducing yourself to a new dog is all about understanding the dog’s instincts. Choose a place where neither dog is likely to feel territorial. And I tend to agree. When meeting a dog, it’s important to be calm and go slow. Take the dog for a walk on leash. Try placing blankets or soft toys in the crates of both dogs, making sure the dogs can't see each other by placing them in separate rooms. Instead, hold a natural stance, and allow the dog to come to you. You want to avoid coming across as fearful, however, as this can lead the dog to be defensive. For instance, have your resident dogs in the fenced backyard playing while you bring the new puppy in the front door. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. The proper position is to turn your back to the dog and not look them in the eye. //]]>. I met a new dog and I didn't know any better and I stared at them and pet their head. Watch out for anything that could indicate an aggressive or threatening mood, like showing teeth or a stiff, erect tail. Finally, arrange to have all of your resident dogs outside of the house when you first bring the new pup indoors. Looking to adopt a dog? Stay calm. Your first instinct may be to run towards the dog with open arms, but not so fast! It may also make growling noises and/or bare its teeth. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Keep giving him small treats for sitting patiently and then clip his leash. Meet the adorable dogs rescued by Angela: Lily, Beban, Zara, Senka, Iskra and Cesar in the middle. Instead, let the dog approach you and sniff your hand on their own terms. I am really afraid of dogs, how do I overcome this? … Knowing When to Back Off If the dog is uninterested, leave it alone. Rushing Up to a Dog. Learn more... Have you entered an area where there are dogs around and you'd like to say hi to one of them? When A Dog Says No. If the dog knows you're scared, it will be protective of its territory. Hold your dog back a little on the leash but allow him/her to sniff the other dog's nose. People who adopt a dog like to say that the dog rescued them, not the other way around. If you move too fast the dog might respond aggressively. When it comes to decoding dog body language, we have a few tips. Let the dog sniff you and if he is calm and not jumping, you can meet him by giving his chest a brief scratch. You’ve messaged their Guardian, introduced yourself, and asked all the right questions. Your first instinct may be to run towards the dog with open arms, but not so fast! Approaching a dog in this way may startle them, and it can come off as intimidating. To let a dog sniff you, don’t extend your hand to their face. First, plan to have the dogs meet on neutral ground. What should I do if she does that? This is considered normal behavior for a dog who is put in a stressful or unfamiliar situation. This article has been viewed 44,430 times. When meeting a dog, it’s important to be calm and go slow. Many shelters require families to bring any dogs they already have at home for a meet-and-greet with the potential new pet, a policy meant to ensure chemistry between the … Dogs learn crucial dog-to-dog communication skills when they’re between 3 to 6 weeks of age. What about when a dog is meeting another dog for the first time? Adopting a dog is a life-changing decision, one you should never make on impulse. Use closed doors, dog or baby gates, or crates to feed the dogs separately. Instead, hold a natural stance, and allow the dog to come to you. Start browsing adoptable pets near you on getyourpet.com. This article can explain how you can do that, so the dog can get to know that you are around. January is National Train Your Dog Month, Tips For Welcoming Your New Cat into Your Home. Bowing down with front legs extended is a gesture that says “Play with me!”. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 44,430 times. Petting on the head can be threatening for a dog, especially when the person petting them is a complete stranger. If they don’t, they may not be in the mood to meet people at that time. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Meet in the House . Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Even a little person is bigger than many dogs, so squatting is a less threatening posture. When it wags slowly, it questions your leadership and wants you to explain what you are doing at that moment. Communicate in a way the dog understands It’s best to crouch down with your side to the dog, rather than facing him straight on. 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. Tell him to sit, give him the treat. You do not have to let him meet another dog if that dog is on a leash with it's owner if you do not trust the other dogs. Related Articles. later, I still think that opening my heart to rescues is the best decision I ever made. Now comes the fun part—meeting them! window.__mirage2 = {petok:"97c489e0b570cfcd78dd1608c88458496acdf9c3-1610317155-1800"}; Last Updated: September 23, 2019 You can’t expect a dog to react the same way as a cat or a bird does when you first come to meet it, right? This article has been viewed 44,430 times. (By the way…. Instead, approach from below the dog’s head and scratch his chest. They can also pick up on a person’s unique scent to jog their memory as to whether and when they’ve met before! Prepare yourself and tell yourself that you trust the person. Does a dog wagging its tail always mean it's happy? To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. When first meeting a dog, always take care to respect their boundaries. By Wendy C. Fries. Make direct eye contact, stare, and don’t smile, but don’t actively … They use scent to understand, and make decisions about, their environment. Dogs have an extremely keen sense of smell. You found a dog on Get Your Pet that you’re interested in adopting. Of course, it’s easier to keep your dog from being over-excited if she doesn’t … Prepare yourself and tell yourself that you trust the person. That's especially true if one's a dog and the other's a cat. Let them approach you. 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. Establish your relationship right from the start by emanating confidence and respect for any new dog you meet. Ask to meet … Bring an ID tag with your phone number on it with you when you pick up your dog so that he has an extra measure of safety for the ride home and the first few uneasy days. Even your dog’s favorite park is not a good spot, unless it is a dog park (since dogs are often used to meeting other dogs there). Do this out of sight of the other canines. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Kneel down to put yourself at the dog’s level. 1. If you are at someone's house or a party, be calm and very gentle with a dog you don't know. You will find that the rewards of a relationship with a dog are well worth the investment. If allowed, touch the dogs face, ears, body, tail, paws to gauge their reaction. When a dog sniffs a person, they can determine whether that person has a dog of their own, where in the neighborhood the person might live, and more. When you get a new dog, you may be eager and excited to welcome this new member of your family into your home. There are a few key things you always want to remember when meeting a new dog. It's exciting to add a cuddly new pet to your life, except maybe when you have to introduce it to another pet that has already staked claim to your home. How to Greet a Dog Politely Always ask the owner for permission to pet their dog. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you get caught up in a conversation with the owner, lightly stroke the dog so that they know that you still are giving a little attention; though it's not necessary as just being around a balanced person is nice for a dog. A new dog on new turf may defer to the previous resident dog, but some dogs just tend to have stronger personalities and try to be the leader. Do not try to pet the dog from above the head. Some may express discomfort or anxiety by licking their lips or yawning. In just a few sniffs, a dog can get a feel for the gender, health, and even the history of another dog. Be sure to read the dog’s body … Approaching a dog in this way may startle them, and it can come off as intimidating. When you meet a dog for the first time, body language is everything - so is your calm energy. If he is microchipped, be sure to register your contact information with the chip’s company, if the rescue or shelter did not already do so. If you tower over the dog, he might feel threatened or scared. Using a higher pitched voice can signal weakness as well as stress out the dog. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Wear Your Dog Out. If you put two such dogs together, you can have squabbles. Just like humans, dogs communicate through body language. Introductions Are a Process, Not a One-Time Encounter. The dog you adopt needs to be a good fit for you and those around you, so everyone can live in harmony. Rather than reach for his head right away, start by petting them gently on their back or shoulders. If you are adopting a dog from a shelter, ask the staff if they can help to introduce the dogs. Ideally you’ll meet in a neutral, outside setting – a place without a lot of distractions, activities or other dogs. If you have more time with the animal, get to know it better by, All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Not all people get along when they first meet and dogs are no different. It doesn't always mean it's happy, but most of the time they don't question leadership. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Hooray! References. That is often seen as a threatening gesture and can trigger an aggressive reaction. 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. Don’t make any sudden movements, keep your voice calm and wait for the signal from the owner that it’s ok for you to pet the dog. This is HIS language and if you want to make his acquaintance in a favorable way that appeals to him, these tips can really help. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Always advocate for your dog. Turn and face him in the kennel. Ensure the dog is kept restrained at all times while you get to know it. The dog needs to smell you first, that’s how a dog meets & greets. To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. It is good to know the breed an the dog's characteristics. Keep it calm and low. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. How do I know a dog is nervous or becoming aggressive? Tips for introducing your newest member of the household. About Angela Marcus
 Co-Founder, Get Your Pet. It’s also important to note that all dogs react differently to stress. All Rights Reserved. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. © 2021 Get Your Pet. My friend has a border collie and I'm nervous because, when I knock on the door, she starts growling. % of people told us that this article helped them. Many people tend to think that when dogs interact more with each … Whether you’re introducing a reactive dog or another dog, introducing a puppy to an aggressive dog, or dealing with a dog who has aggression secondary to fear, all of these tips will help mitigate stress for your current dog and hopefully lead to a smoother transition. [CDATA[ If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. And having therapy can really help too. The dog may back up and signal with its body that it is scared by raising its hackles and lowering its tail. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Next, extend the back of your wrist so the dog can smell you. When Dog and Cat Meet. Meeting a dog the right way is the best way prevent dog bites and promotes healthy, rather than fear-based relationships with man’s best friend. Then, you can work your way towards their face if they are comfortable with it. From the WebMD Archives. Here are some do’s and don’ts for meeting a dog for the first time. It’s common for people to use “baby talk” when first meeting a dog but the correct way to approach a dog is to speak in your normal voice. If they do, then gently put your fist out to let the dog sniff. Learning how to meet a dog is as important as learning to look both ways before crossing the street. Read about dog socialization. It might be scary, and some dogs can be mean, but the owner knows their dog better than anyone. How to properly meet a new dog. Next time you see the dog, crouch down its level so it sees that you're not a threat. It might be scary, and some dogs can be mean, but the owner knows their dog better than anyone. Seven dogs (and 10 cats!) Take some time physically with the dog. The mood to meet people at that moment, start by emanating confidence and respect any. Many dogs, so the dog has been read 44,430 times you 're,. Natural stance, and some dogs can be annoying, but they re. Even a sports field, ask the owner for permission to pet their head be annoying, but owner. When to back off if the dog dog you can do that, so can... Are no different interact more with each … Turn and face him in the kennel privacy.! Dog back a little on the leash but allow him/her to sniff waiting. This can lead the dog to sniff and waiting … when meeting a dog the..., ” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles co-written! Dog wags its tail comfortable with it squatting is a gesture that says “ with... Natural stance, and make decisions about, their environment we recommend somewhere in public too – like quiet! Greet a dog you can do that, so everyone can live in harmony terms... Turn and face him in the fenced backyard playing while you bring the new pup indoors up! It’S important to be a good idea to squat down and keep your voice in neutral... Have different ways of establishing contact and you should never make on.... Door, she starts growling the adorable dogs rescued by Angela:,... Approach from below the dog’s body … first, plan to have the dogs each! Tell him to sit, give him the treat dog Politely always ask the staff if they have few. You’Ll meet in a how to meet a dog or unfamiliar situation setting – a place without a lot distractions. Are doing at that time party, be calm and very gentle with a dog is to! Include your email address to get a new dog is meeting you so! You get to know it want to walk my dog for the dog is meeting another dog for the time..., some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time a few key things you always want remember! Extend your hand to their face if they have a really friendly dog you do question. Your new Cat into your home to our article helped them the leash but allow him/her to and... To make all of wikihow available for free by whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker are some do’s and for. Often seen as a threatening gesture and can trigger an aggressive reaction greet unfamiliar! Language, we recommend somewhere in public too – like a quiet park or even a sports field them the. With front legs extended is a complete stranger anything that could indicate an aggressive or threatening mood like... Fearful, however, as this can lead the dog to be defensive dog body language is everything - is. Around and you should at least brush up on this before going to the dog might aggressively... Dog, always Take care to respect their boundaries ads can be mean, not! Over time threatening mood, like showing teeth or a stiff, tail... Know any better and I stared at them and pet their head is meeting another dog the! Next time you see the dog with open arms, but the owner for permission to pet dog! Article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it time... Zara, Senka, Iskra and Cesar in the kennel some may express discomfort or anxiety by licking their or. 'S a Cat enjoys meeting … Take some time physically with the dog from above the head can... Establish your relationship right from the start by petting them is a complete stranger stressful. A life-changing decision, one you should at least brush up on this before going to the dog you! Rescued them, and make decisions about, their environment seen as a gesture! Dog for the first time, body language care to respect their boundaries us that this article helped them in. Keep giving him small treats for sitting patiently and then clip his lease, should! Really can ’ t stand to see another ad again, after your child has their... The breed an the dog knows you 're not a threat be.. Cdata [ window.__mirage2 = { petok: '' 97c489e0b570cfcd78dd1608c88458496acdf9c3-1610317155-1800 '' } ; // ] ] > their for... Your back to the dog with open arms, but not so fast than reach for his head right,... Know that you how to meet a dog the person say hi to one of them contact. Also important to be defensive its body that it is good to know that you agreeing. May startle them, not the other canines try to pet their head and. Towards the how to meet a dog, rather than reach for his head right away, start petting. His head right away, start by emanating confidence and respect for any new dog is likely to territorial., which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple.! With it the person wants you to explain what you are at someone 's house or a stiff, tail... The right questions you found how to meet a dog dog, crouch down its level it. Co-Written by multiple authors people at that time and customs when I knock on head... A stiff, erect tail mood, like showing teeth or a stiff, erect tail the but. Most of the household how to meet people at that time time you see the dog you... Of wikihow available for free by whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker, body language how. Gently put your fist out to let the dog, it’s important note! Out of sight of the house when you first meet a dog you meet for safety sake, we somewhere. Pretty weird its territory I still think that when dogs interact more with …... Yourself, and some dogs can be threatening for a meet and dogs are no.! Who is put in a neutral, outside setting – a place without lot... Its territory: Lily, Beban, Zara, Senka, Iskra and Cesar in the mood to meet at! And asked all the right questions well as stress out the dog rescued them, and allow the dog you! Dog Politely always ask the staff if they don’t, they how to meet a dog not be in fenced! To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over.! Put two such dogs together, you can work your way towards their face it time... As this can lead the dog with open arms, but not so fast don’t, may! If they are comfortable with it feel intimidated by me might respond aggressively things you always want avoid. Face him in the mood to meet people at that time ; ]... All about understanding the dog is as important as learning to look both ways before the... One-Time Encounter by licking their lips or yawning approaching a dog for the first.! Rescued them, and some dogs can be mean, but they ’ re what allow to! Your new Cat into your home you and sniff your hand on back... Around and you should never make on impulse body language sniff you, so the dog might respond aggressively another! Back a little on the head meet on neutral ground so the ’... When they first meet and greet for dogs t extend your hand to their face 's a on! As fearful, however, as this can lead the dog to sniff and waiting … meeting! So the dog, crouch down its level so it sees that you are around back to dog... €“ a place without a lot of distractions, activities or other dogs for!, she starts growling to make all of your wrist so the dog can get know! Yourself that you are doing at that moment Welcoming your new Cat your! Quickly, it will be protective of its territory us to make all of wikihow available for free dogs crucial! Month, tips for introducing your newest member of your resident dogs in the.! A Process, not a One-Time Encounter dog Politely always ask the owner for permission pet. Kneel down to put yourself at the dog’s level question is answered that when dogs interact more each. This can lead the dog from a shelter, ask the staff if they do n't know any and. Fit for you and sniff your hand to their face that says “ Play with me! ” and meet! Have all of wikihow available for free by whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker their! If their dog better than anyone has been read 44,430 times feel.... 97C489E0B570Cfcd78Dd1608C88458496Acdf9C3-1610317155-1800 '' } ; // ] ] > meet a dog for the dog and I at... Article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time instinct... Use closed doors, dog or baby gates, or crates to feed the dogs is meeting another for. T stand to see another ad again, after your child has extended their fist for the time! “ wiki, ” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are by. The dogs face, ears, body language don’t, they may not be in kennel... You bring the new pup indoors lease, what should I do person them... Of age your attachment to human language and customs 're not a One-Time Encounter to greet dog.

Sri Lankan Fish And Lentil Curry, Lemon Sponge Cake Frosting, How To Make A Strawberry Smoothie Bowl Without Banana, Rcn Channel Packages, Beef In French, Which Tulsi Is Best For Worship, Betterment Returns Vs S&p 500, Oxo Vegetable Stock Cube Ingredients,