When you meet a dog for the first time, and it is on a lead and with its owner, don’t move immediately to pat it on the head. Firstly, stretch out your arm straight and make a fist with your hand and allow the dog to sniff you first. Then stroke the dog under the chin rather than patting it on top of the head as the dog might take a pat on the head as being aggressive behavior.
Don’t smile or grin at the dog as he may think you are baring your teeth and want to attack and try not to look directly in the dog’s eyes as some animals see that as a threat and become aggressive.
If the dog decides he does not want to engage with you and moves away, do not follow as they are saying they do not want to be with you.
Finally, do be aware of the signs that a dog is feeling uncomfortable and may become aggressive. These include yawning or licking their lips. They could also appear to be tensing their bodies or putting their tails in the air or wagging their tails slowly.
