I have to say, one thing that sometimes bugs me is the way most people approach my dogs. Because they’re small, people tend to bend over them and go straight to petting them on the top of their head.  Wally is usually super-friendly with strangers, but Lu tends to get freaked out once they go for her face.  Most dogs don’t like being petted on the head, especially by strangers. Imagine if a complete stranger came up to you and stuck their hand in your face. You’d flinch, too!

I try to ask people to ignore my dogs until my dogs are comfortable and calm.  Then, if they want to pet them, they can pet them on their cheek or back.  Always remember – a dog should be approached with caution and respect, whether big or small, familiar or unfamiliar!

This illustration is the perfect example of how NOT to greet a dog, along with the correct way to approach a new dog.

illustration by Lili Chin www.doggiedrawings.net (used with permission)

The following video shows how to greet a dog appropriately: