The thinking among experts in animal behavior is that the main cause of dog bites to humans associated with the failure of the owner and the dog bite victims to recognize when the dog was afraid and know how to approach and greet a dog properly . But what exactly is the right approach and why so many people fail to do so ?
One of the problems is that we , humans , have a quick reaction to the cuteness of some dogs . It's owned by the same reaction when they see a child a cute teddy bear or other stuffed animal . As a result, we treat pets as if they were mere toys .
Although many dog friendly , funny , and love to interact with humans , they are still not a toy . In fact , when you think about it , dogs are actually somewhat similar to humans in the same way , namely , greeting inappropriate will cause people become scared or upset , it will also cause dogs become fearful and even aggressive . Here are some examples :
Avoid to get into their safe zone
You may feel threatened if someone suddenly walking to your car and extend their hand to grab you . Similarly with the dog . Dogs may feel scared or annoyed if you reach into their safe zone . The best thing to do is to keep a safe distance from the zone of the dog and we even had to turn away so you are not mistaken for bad guys who try to break in.
Standing a safe distance so that you are not considered a threat
People often see the cute dog and want stroking rush . Just as you might feel afraid if a stranger or even an acquaintance ran to you , the dog may feel uncomfortable as well . The best thing is to approach slowly and leisurely walk while to see if the dog shows signs of fear
Avoid Holding the dog without permission from the owners
Typically , children who are in a hurry to run out of control to stroke the dog , but adults can also be a distraction for the dog . For example , a sudden reach without parental permission or owner , can lead to something bad . Even the kids will be nervous when a stranger approached , and rightly so . We should not expect our dogs to be more comfortable with a dangerous stranger than with our children . That is why it is important to always ask permission to the owner that it's okay to say hello to their pets . All depends on the owner to find out if their pet is good enough for so called owner can inform others that it is safe to say hi to his dog and that the dog will enjoy the interaction .
Avoid looking directly at the eyes of a dog
Since childhood , we are all taught not to stare . It's rude , and even creepy . So if even the dog's owner says it's okay to say hello , avoid staring directly face to face . Instead , approached laterally and also face sideways .
Align your height with dog
Have you ever seen a toddler or young child visiting Disneyland or other parks to see their favorite favorite cartoon character ? But when they see Mickey Mouse or Yogi Bear and the giant towering above them , they were afraid . The same thing happened to the dog . They may seem friendly and happy as you approach , but if you are shadowing them from the top , especially if you look at them over the head , you can cause them fear . That is why it is better to stand facing slightly to the side and stay out of their private zone . Note that the size of the safety zone varies in each dog . Then let them approach their own liking if they like it . If they do not want to close , we can only see them from a distance . For a small dog , you can squat in their direction . But be careful , and do from afar danjangan forget to facing sideways so that when you are shorter , you still do not face right in their faces .
Let your dog first touches
Although you may have heard that you should greet the dog by letting them sniff your hand , reach their faces are actually quite rough , especially if you face them or stare into the face . Imagine if someone is standing near you and they reached out to you . The best thing is to let the dog approach on its own and avoid reaching that dogs do not feel depressed .
Dogs have a phobia
Some children have a clown phobia or certain types of people . Similarly, some dogs are afraid some types of people or to those who wear or carry certain objects in various environments . Even if you have followed all the rules as above , some pets may still feel uncomfortable . So if you see any signs of fear , discomfort or tension , even if the dog comes to sniff you , stay avoid caressing it . Instead of a pet just look close .
Not all dogs like to be held or cuddled
Lastly, remember that there are some interactions that are not appropriate or not fun for the animals ( or children ) as you think . For example , most children do not like being pinched his cheeks even though they did not refuse . Similarly, most dogs do not like to be hugged by a family member even though if they do not refuse . Imagine how a dog that does not like to cuddle would react if they are hugged by someone who is less well known . When interacting with dogs , especially strange , avoid hugging , patting or stroking a way too familiar . Instead eluslah quietly , gently , with ease.
While many people routinely greet the dog inappropriately and many dogs continue to receive treatment that is never an appropriate social , if you stop and think about it , the correct greeting is something common . We have to respect the dog , and not even assume that they have to be friendly and polite even when we , humans , do not .
