Do’s and Don’ts for your first ‘date’ with a new dog.
What do humans usually do when meeting their friends? We shake hands and give a hug. Dogs have their own ritual when meeting each other. But there are some things you can do that will make the process a lot easier—and more fun!
The ‘dog’ way of thinking
Dogs have their own way of thinking. They will see face-to-face contact, eye contact and speaking in a high-pitched voice as a threat. When they feel stressed or threatened and can’t avoid ‘meeting’ you, they may bite you. If they are interested in you, they’ll come over to get your scent and sense your energy.
In the dog world, if they are not interested in each other, they will just walk away. The other won’t take it personally. To have an enjoyable moment with dogs, you should think like them.
How to meet them properly?
Don’t stare at them! – Dogs see eye contact as a threat, so they’ll feel threatened and might bite you. Instead, try looking at their ears or body while they look at yours.
Make sure your voice is calm – Don’t use baby talk or high-pitched voices! This can make dogs feel uncomfortable or threatened. Their wider range of hearing capability makes those high-frequency sounds deafening to them.
Let the dog come over to you on its own time, don’t force it! – You can kneel down on the floor so that you aren’t towering over the dog. This will make them less likely to feel threatened. But if you aren’t sure about whether the dog will bite you or not, it’s totally fine to stay standing instead.
Limit your pats on the side or back of their body – When the dog approaches you, wait for them to sniff and investigate you before reaching out to pet them. Avoid hugging them or touching their head, as some dogs may find this uncomfortable or threatening. Also, be gentle and slow when petting them, as sudden movements or reactions can startle them.
Observe their behaviour – Watch for signs of stress, such as yawning or turning away from you, as these might indicate that they’re uncomfortable with what you are doing with them.
Never pet a dog without asking their parents first
No matter how skilled you are, always ask for permission from the pet parents. It is a way of showing respect to the parent and the pet. The parents should know better than you about their dogs. You will never know whether the dog is a frightened or reactive one. Ask before you act can save you from lots of trouble.
At FurrySitter, we understand that hiring a new pet-care professional can be an anticipating but sometimes nerve-wracking experience. That’s why we take the time to get to know your furry friend before we start any pet-sitting or dog-walking services. We believe that building trust and rapport with your pet is crucial to providing them with the best possible care.
Whether you’re a first-time customer or a long-time client, we want you to know that your pet’s well-being is our top priority. From arranging a meet-and-greet to service fulfillment, we strive to make every interaction with your pet stress-free and enjoyable.
If you’re in need of pet-care services, feel free to arrange a meet-and-greet. We look forward to helping you and your furry friend feel at ease and happy!