How do you pet a dog?

Answer 1

Damn, Kyle! I just gave you step-by-step instructions on boiling an egg! Now you want to know how to pet a dog? We need to talk.

;-D

Answer 2

Very carefully! Any dog can be aggressive is approached to quickly or if they are overstimulated.

My Puppy Kindergarten teacher has told me not to let strangers pet the top of my dog's head or over her shoulder blades. Make sure the dog is calm when petting their tummy (avoid this in pregnant dogs). Never approach a strange dog in a strait line, always arch around them and move slowly. Perhaps lick your lips or yawn. Look around, do not hold eye contact with the animal, this is very threating to the animal.

Dogs like light gentle strokes down their sides. Panting, licking, and frantic tail movement can indicate fear or over-stimulation, and could be a precursor to aggression.

I recently ordered this DVD...
Calming Signals: What Your Dog
Tells You
ISBN:1929242271

My trainer swears by this DVD, Turrid's accent is very thick and difficult to understand, however this footage of dogs in everyday situations is helpful and worthwhile and can prevent dog attacks and bad behavior on your pets part.

Remember: Would you let a stranger grab or touch your child? NO!!! So don't let anyone touch your dog without you permission, you are not being rude. Dogs need personal space and violating this could cause biting or fear of strangers.

Answer 3

As someone who has trained several dogs, I can tell you the best way to pet a dog you are unfamiliar with is,do not just go and approach the dog, let the dog come to you with your hand closed in a fist, palm side down. If after a few sniffs the dog seems receptive you can test the dogs comfort by making one slow motion towards the nape of the dogs neck and carry it through till about mid back. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH A LARGE DOG THAT YOU DON'T KNOW. A large unknown dog will see this as a threat.

Answer 4

You've got some good answers here, but don't forget to talk to the dog. Dog's loved to be talked you, and you'll be surprised at how they will respond to your voice as you pet them. Just use a soothing voice... or baby talk... that works too. Whatever you do, don't use your axe-murdering psycho voice... the dog will probably not like that. Good luck!

Answer 5

Never pet a dog that has never met you right on. First, put your hand near his mouth and let him sniff your hand so he knows you arn't dangerous and wont hurt him
Then just pet his fur going back and forth

P.s. If you pet some dogs right on, they can bite you very badly

Answer 6

Well, you take your hand (that's the thing with all the sticks like objects on the end), and you place it on the dog (preferably on the head or back) and move your fingers (those are those sticks we were talking about) along the head or back, in a loving way.

Answer 7

You put your hand on the dogs head and rub..happy petting.

Answer 8

This will sound weird but, always let them smell your hand first this way you can get a read on how it feels about you. Then.. behind the ears is always good and shoulder/back area. If your real comfortable-kneel down to their level (less dominating)-Good Luck!

Answer 9

1. make sure dog is comfortable around you and let it sniff your hand if necessary

2. place hand gently on the head or the back of the dog

3. gently and smoothly move your hand along the back of the dog or lightly back and forth

4. repeat as necessary

Answer 10

The head, the back, and when the dog rolls over, on the belly.