How to Meet a Dog for the First Time

Co-authored by Melissa Muñoz

Last Updated: June 17, 2022 References

Have you entered an area where there are dogs around and you'd like to say hi to one of them? This article is here to help. Read on for lots of helpful tips and advice on how to approach and meet a dog for the very first time.

1

Walk up to the dog's owner.

Ask them if the dog is friendly and get their permission before petting their dog.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Melissa Muñoz
Animal Trainer
Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.} Some dogs, who tend to be docile animals, aren't docile and can get spooked when approached. If the owner seems as though the dog and the owner are not friendly, then hold back. If the dog seems unfriendly or misbehaved, reverse course and don't go towards it, as the owner then needs to take charge.^{[2]
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2

Approach the dog slowly.

Don't approach as though you are fearful.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Melissa Muñoz
Animal Trainer
Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.} If the dog thinks you are fearful, it will claim higher authority and possibly get sassy. But the best way is to let the dog approach you first, then you can make friends with it.^{[4]
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3

Hold out your hand slowly.

Show it the back of your hand to sniff with your fingers held together.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Melissa Muñoz
Animal Trainer
Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.} This stance with your arms is a commonly-inherited trait to most dogs should (or will come to understand). The dog should have some knowledge about not biting you. Come down to this dog's eye level with your hand. Make all of this seem natural, as it will be if you've used it enough over time.^{[6]
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4

Don't stare at the dog.

It is best not to look hard into the dog's eyes or to stare at it. This could seem like a threat to any dog.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Melissa Muñoz
Animal Trainer
Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.}

5

Interact with the dog if it accepts you.

Ask for the dog's name. After it has sniffed your hand and has accepted you, then gently touch the back or chest. Don't pet the top of the head, as most dogs find this intimidating.^{[8]
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Research source} The dog could get worried because it does not know you. Make this step done slowly.

6

Keep the meeting short.

Dogs don't tend to like long meetings with strangers.
- 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.^{[9]
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Expert Q&A

Question

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.
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.
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.