How to greet a dog this festive season!

You don’t need to stick out your hand to greet a dog, a dog’s nose is estimated to be around 10,000 - 100,000 times more sensitive than ours. They can already smell you! Sticking out your hand can create tension and conflict.

Instead, ask the human if it’s ok to interact with their dog. Don’t take it personally if they say no!

We say that it’s up to Banjo (our dog) if he wants to say hi, not us. Banjo prefers to approach people instead of people invading his space, as an example.

Often a side-on approach can be less threatening then looming over them head-on, but ask their human, their preference.

You can also wait and see if the dog chooses to approach you or not. Keep in mind, some dogs want to approach, but do not want to be touched, instead they might just want to sniff you, information gather, then go away again. Get clued up on doggie body language to gauge this.

If the dog's body language looks relaxed; loose body and face & they are soliciting strokes from you, then go for a stroke!

Avoid the head at first (where all their sensitive sensory organs are) and try stroking down the back or chest.

Try the "pet, pet, pause" method, where you pet for 2/3 seconds and then stop to see what the dog does. By doing this you are letting the dog choose to solicit more strokes or to walk away for a break.

Not all dogs feel at ease with being touched, and it’s important to respect their boundaries. Pay attention to their people and observe the dogs' body language. Don't just assume it's ok.

Happy Holidays!

Ella, Alistair and Banjo

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