Sometimes when I'm out with Boyo (and sometimes one of our day dogs) so it happens that we meet people who are obviously afraid of dogs. Sometimes adults, sometimes children. What I have noticed is that these very people often walk with their eyes directed directly at what they are afraid of – my dog. I thought I'd go over some things I recommend if you pass a dog on the street, when you are afraid or for some reason do not want to have closer contact with a dog.
I want the most come up with some tips for you who are afraid of dogs or just in general have more respect for dogs than want to greet them. My tips are based on how my own dog Boyo behaves when we meet people on the street – and by that I mean people just passing through.
Tips 1
You are coming walking on the sidewalk and see a dog of any size heading your way. You are afraid of dogs and make sure to keep an eye on the dog at all times to know where it is and to be able to predict if it will jump on you and eat you.
Don't do it, By all means.
Avoid looking directly on the dog, and don't look the dog straight in the eyes. If Boyo and I meet someone on the street who looks him in the eye, he becomes very interested and wants to come over and say hello. Because he is quite a big one, black German Shepherd, it can be perceived as scary by those who respect or are afraid of dogs.
In other words – do not look directly at the dog, and absolutely no eye contact.
Tips 2
As a consequence of the above – ignore the dog as best as possible. Pretend it's not there. I understand that it can be easier said than done if you are afraid, but it reduces the likelihood that the dog will seek contact with you. If you do not look directly at the dog and ignore any attempts at contact by the dog, it will soon tire.
Tips 3
Claim your space. I see that there are many who sort of turn sideways when they pass and have their eyes fixed on Boyo, and likes to walk in a small semi-circle to get as far away from us as possible. This is something that makes Boyo (and certainly many other dogs) getting a little extra curious.
It you instead can do is to stretch the back, calm your heart and claim the space you occupy on the street, the sidewalk or wherever you are. Dogs react and act on energy and body language, and if you look like you're not afraid, the dog you meet is less likely to even be interested in you.
Tips 4
If you stay and talking to someone who has a dog, or happen to end up next to someone with a dog at the bus stop or similar, and the dog starts sniffing at you, it doesn't seem unusual for people to back away and raise their arms to sort of get away. Preferably with a surprised beep too.
When you reverse the dog will want to follow you and examine you even more closely. Instead, stand still and pay no attention to the dog – in other words; don't look directly at it, and try as much as possible to ignore it.
Tips 5
If you are a little afraid of dogs, but maybe want to practice being less afraid of greeting unknown dogs, you can do everything I have already written. But at the greeting itself – hold out an open palm and let the dog smell you. Keep your hand still and don't start flapping your arms. Breathe slowly and deeply to get the heart beating in a calmer rhythm. If you dare, squat down and let the dog smell your face – you might even get a kiss or two.
This should however, be done with dogs who may not be so intense and assertive in their greetings (in other words; not with Boyo 😀 ).
Tips 6
Teach your children to always ask if they can visit and pet a dog. I've met kids who didn't ask but just take it for granted that they get it, who doesn't listen when I say no and generally behaves badly around my dog. Now Boyo is very kind – but he is also big and quite buff and easily knocks over smaller children.
And when you still going on – Please teach your children the tips I just wrote, so the risk of them attracting unwanted attention from dogs on the street is reduced. If they play football where dogs walk by, they will get attention anyway, but hopefully you understand what I mean. 🙂
…
Hope the tips is of any use to anyone! ♥