It is important for everyone to be aware of how to approach an unfamiliar dog, especially if the dog is attractive. If you don’t know how to approach the dog, you can scare them and get yourself in danger.

The purpose of this article is to provide some tips on how not to approach an unfamiliar but attractive dog.

Don’t Run

If you run towards an unfamiliar dog, they might get scared and act aggressively towards you. Running towards a dog means that you are a threat to them. It is better to walk slowly and calmly towards them.

Don’t Make Eye Contact

Eye contact might seem like a good idea, but it can be intimidating for a dog, particularly if they don’t know you. Dogs see eye contact as a challenge or as a threat. It is better to avoid eye contact and try to approach from the side.

Don’t Reach for the Dog’s Head

Reaching out to pat a dog’s head can be seen as an invasion of their personal space, and it can make them feel trapped, which can turn dangerous. It is better to let the dog come to you and sniff your hand first.

If they are comfortable with that, you can try to pat them on the chest, but never on the head.

Don’t Make Loud Noises

Sudden loud noises such as yelling or clapping can startle the dog, causing them to feel threatened and react aggressively. Dogs have sensitive hearing and can be affected by loud sounds.

It is better to stay calm and approach the dog in a quiet and gentle way.

Don’t Approach from the Back

It can be intimidating for a dog if someone approaches them from behind. It can lead to a sudden reaction from the dog, turning into a dangerous situation.

It is better to approach the dog from the side or front, giving them a chance to see you and smell you first.

Don’t Invade Their Personal Space

Giving dogs their personal space is vital when approaching them. Invading their space can create feelings of fear, anxiety and result in aggressive behavior. It is better to let the dog come to you when they feel comfortable.

Keep a reasonable distance between you and the dog.

Don’t Chase the Dog

If the dog runs away, don’t chase them. A dog can’t tell the difference between someone trying to catch them and someone trying to hurt them. Chasing a dog can lead to a long and painful process of trying to regain their trust.

It’s better to wait for them to come back or call their owner to help you catch them.

Don’t Force Interaction

If the dog isn’t ready to interact with you, don’t force them to do so. Give them time to approach you and initiate the interaction. Forcing interaction can lead to the dog feeling threatened and reacting aggressively.

Don’t Make Assumptions

Assuming that a dog is friendly based on their appearance is dangerous. Some dogs might be attractive, but they might also be aggressive and dangerous. It’s crucial to look for signs that will tell you whether or not the dog is friendly.

Conclusion

Approaching an unfamiliar but attractive dog can be an exciting experience. However, approaching them in the wrong way can lead to injuries or severe dog bites.

It is essential to respect and understand the dog’s body language before approaching them. The tips mentioned above will help you approach an unfamiliar but attractive dog safely and with confidence.