Humans Greeting Dogs: How to Not Get Bitten
What is wrong (if anything) with the following instructions given to a 9-year-old child as he approaches a dog he does not know? “Son, reach out your hand and let the dog sniff you before you pet him.” Yeow! This is a recipe for getting bitten. That’s right. Many people think that if they walk up to an unfamiliar dog and offer their out-stretched hand, the dog will respond in a friendly manner. Ha! I don’t know how this rumor got started, but we would all be much safer if we cease and desist this misguided and potentially dangerous activity.
In the United States, when people meet a stranger, they typically approach each other directly, then shake hands while making eye contact and show their teeth by smiling. That’s how we show each other that we are not a threat or an enemy, that we are polite, honest, and we understand social customs. Well, guess what? When you behave that way toward a dog you don’t know, you are sending the exact opposite message. You are simply saying that you are aggressive, threatening, and not to be trusted.
Dogs interpret many behaviors differently than humans. When two dogs approach each other for the first time, they do not march directly up to each other face-to-face. They do not hold a vulnerable body part within striking distance of the other’s most dangerous weapon. They do not bare their teeth and gaze directly into the other dog’s eyes. Instead, they walk around each other in an arc, at some distance, then get closer as they circle. This gives each dog a chance to study the other and assess whether this meeting should or should not take place.
People should not force a dog to be approached or touched if it makes the dog uncomfortable. When you approach a dog and reach out your hand, you are forcing yourself into that dog’s personal space. If the dog is uneasy, you could be bitten.
Case in point: A client of mine has a large female dog which the family had rescued. This dog was very shy and fearful around strangers. One evening, an elderly neighbor stopped by with some ice cream for the family. The dog was eating her dinner on the screened front porch when the man entered. The dog growled and backed up. That is a very clear communication from the dog that she is uncomfortable and does NOT want to interact with the man. This is appropriate behavior in the dog’s universe, although we often consider it unacceptable in ours.
This well-meaning and thoughtful neighbor wanted to convince the dog that he had no intention of hurting her, that he really is a nice guy. So he continued to approach the dog while holding his hand out for her to sniff. He did this until the dog was backed into a corner. Well, the dog bit him, and at the hospital the doctors put ten stitches in the poor guy’s hand.
This incident could have been easily avoided had the man understood what the dog was telling him. When a dog feels stress, she wants to put more distance between herself and whatever is causing the stress. If she is cornered, she loses her option of distancing herself, and lashes out to make the cause of the stress back away.
The point is, never put a dog in a position where she feels she has to bite. Keep your hands to yourself, and allow an unfamiliar dog to approach you as she feels comfortable. Do not make direct eye contact, as this can be interpreted as threatening. And if the dog backs up, DON’T continue trying to persuade the dog you’re friendly by walking up to her. Your sending a mixed message. Your voice says you are kind and sweet, while your actions are saying the opposite. And actions do speak louder than words. So, back off, and stay safe.
Copyright. All rights reserved. Martha Winters, CPDT-KA, A Dog Gone Good School of Dog Training.
