They say there’s always more than one way to do things, but we had no idea petting a dog is one of them!
Dog owners would probably look at the headline and think, “There’s no right or wrong way to pet a dog. I’ve had dogs my whole life!”
But veterinarians believe there’s still some etiquette you should follow when petting a dog, especially if it’s a dog you don’t know.
Photo via Vetstreet
According to American portal Mental Floss, much like humans, dogs are complex creatures with a wide range of personalities, so it helps to know the basics of dog psychology and body language before approaching random dogs you run into.
The best way to make contact with a dog (after getting the owner’s permission, of course) is to reach out and let the dog sniff your hand.
Be sure to keep your hands curled, as if you were chopping vegetables, just in case the dog feels threatened and lunges to bite your fingers.
If the dog seems comfortable approaching you, then the best place to pet a dog is under the chin.
People always assume this, but the one thing you should never do is immediately start patting the dog’s head, as this can be seen as a dominant, aggressive gesture - because dogs generally keep their nose to the ground.
If a dog feels something touching the top of his head, he might think it’s a bigger dog attacking him and react in a defensive manner.
You should also avoid touching a random dog’s belly, as it’s a very vulnerable area.
Sometimes, a dog might reveal his tummy to show that he’s feeling intimidated, and to convey that he’s not a threat.
And while people tend to think this means the dog wants his belly scratched, that isn’t always the case.
Of course, most dogs are usually comfortable with this because they’re used to being around people, even with strangers, but veterinarians insist you should still interact with caution and in the least threatening way possible - let it be the dog’s choice.
Other sensitive areas you should avoid are a dog’s paws or rump.
Once you’re on good terms with a dog, try petting areas that are generally considered “good spots,” like the lower back and chest.
Depending on the dog, also pay attention to the subtle body cues they're sending you.
A wagging tail just means a dog is ready to interact, which could mean that the dog is ready to bite.
Instead, look for a dog with a wildly waving "helicopter tail" whose body is wiggly and loose, rather than stiff and rigid.
These are signs that a dog is happy and comfortable.
Who knew petting a dog had complexities to it?
by Kyle Roshen Jacob
