Many dog bite (s) can be prevented with this simple understanding. I’m not tactile. I don’t like hugs.
I don’t really like hugs from anyone but my immediate family members. Even my really good friends don’t hug me!
I can’t actually remember a time when I did enjoy hugs.
Nothing ever happened to me to make me dislike hugs; my parents were fabulous, I never had a negative experience with a hug, I simply don’t like them!
When I tell people that I don’t like hugs they generally accept that. No questions, no sideways glances, no “wow, that’s strange!” People just accept that this is part of my PERSONALITY; I’m just not tactile!
So why is it so different when it comes to physical affection and our canine companions?
If a dog approaches us we immediately assume that they want a pat or some form of physical affection, so as soon as the dog gets within patting range away we go! BUT is this really what the dog wants? Most people will say ‘yes’, however, I beg to differ. In my opinion, many dogs approach an unfamiliar, or sometimes even a familiar person to seek information; where have you been, what did you have for breakfast….. after all this is the dog’s way of familiarising or re-familiarising themselves with a person. As humans we converse using verbal communication, dogs sniff!
When I leave my house in the morning to my dogs I smell like me, however, when I come home at night I smell very different! I carry all the new information on me!
Could this be a reason that many dogs become overexcited when meeting a person or greeting their people when they come home? Mouthing, jumping….. Maybe! Maybe they quickly work out that if they jump or mouth you will be still, tuck your ‘patting sticks’ away and allow them access to all that fabulous information you carry!
Next time a dog approaches try
- Standing still and allowing them to become familiar with you before you go to pat them. Does the dog sniff you then walk away?
- Wait for the dog to ‘ask’ for a pat; by nuzzling your hand, sidle up and lean on you with soft eye contact.
- Gently stroke the dog on the shoulder closest to you 2 or 3 times then wait to see if the dog seeks more.
Click here to see a wonderful example of dogs saying “yes” and “no”