The Etiquette of Petting a Dog: Doing It the Right Way

Photo by Simone Dalmeri on Unsplash

One might be tempted to get cozy with a stranger’s dog especially when they’re so cute and fluffy. But aside from getting the owner’s permission, there are social rules to keep in mind when interacting with other dogs you don’t know.

Just like humans, dogs have different personalities. Some tend to be more wary when interacting with strangers and either keep their distance or start barking at them right away. Others have more friendly dispositions and wouldn’t mind cuddling with a person they just met the first time. Depending on the type of personality the dog has, one should always respect a dog’s space and approach them in the least threatening way possible. In order to do that, veterinarians suggest to let them sniff your hands first.

“Dogs live through their olfactory sense much more than their visual one,” Dr. Uri Burstyn, a veterinarian from Vancouver who also educates pet owners on YouTube, tells Mental Floss. Be sure to keep your hands curled, as if you were chopping vegetables, just in case the dog feels threatened and lunges to bite your fingers.

Afterward, when the dog seems willing to get to know you, the best area to pet them would be under their chin as patting them on their head would be taken as an aggressive move. Certainly, my dog didn’t allow me to pat her on the head until she warmed up to me, which probably took several bites and scratches before reaching that point.

Burstyn also cautions to stay away from sensitive parts of the dog’s body namely the paws and the hind. She also mentions that the stomach may also be a gray area as some dogs may only show that area when they feel intimidated. Some other cues to look out for would be the tail and the body language.

When the tail is wagging, don’t take it as a sign of being friendly. I have noticed that when a dog wags its tail vigorously from side to side, that means they are in an excited state and are willing to play with you. Watch out for their body language, whether it’s relaxed or stiff which could mean they feel threatened. One other thing to observe is their fur. I find that when our dog is super tense and hostile, the hairs on her back would stand on end.

Once you’re on good terms with a dog, try petting areas that are generally considered “good spots,” like the lower back and chest. This will vary depending on the dog, so pay attention to the subtle body cues they're sending you.

Do you have any tips or observations when petting a dog?