Wednesday Wisdom: Approaching a strange dog

Recently I have seen where some counties or states are trying to pass a dangerous dog law. In reviewing these proposed laws, a dog could be labeled as dangerous if it threatens to bite (or actually does bite) "unprovoked". The underlying problem is that people do not understand dog body language or how to properly approach a dog. The American Kennel Club has a program called Canine Ambassadors. The ambassador with their dog will teach any group about safety around dogs or responsible dog ownership. My boy "Grissom" and I are available to do this! Here are some "Do's and Don'ts" for approaching a strange dog.

DO:

-Ask the owner for permission to pet while you are several feet away

-Approach the dog from an angle and not straight on

-Speak to the dog in a friendly tone as you step closer to the dog.

-Allow the dog to sniff your pants leg or shoe

-Slowly scratch the dog on the chest, behind the ear, or along the side of his neck

DON'T:

-Rush up to the dog

-Speak in a squealing high-pitched voice

-Bend over the dog's head

-Stick your hand up to the dog's face to smell you (if a dog can smell a dead body in 100 ft of water, he can smell you 15 feet away)

-Stare at him

-Pet on the top of his head or hug his face or neck

Be aware that the dog may appear happy to see you, but his expression suddenly changes (Body is stiff, head lowers, mouth clamped tightly shut or showing the teeth, hackles raised, tail no longer wagging). At that point, just step away.

Dogs will usually indicate with body language that they are not interested in a meet and greet. If we don't respect that, the dog may bite.

Pictured is Grissom's trading card!