Before You Ask ‘Can I Pet That Dawg?’ Read This First

Published on 24 March 2025 at 10:54

A Dog Whisperer's Guide to Greeting an Unfamiliar Dog

We've all been there: you're out for a country walk or visiting a friend, and you encounter a new dog. Instinctively, you may want to reach out, say hello, or give them a friendly pat on the head. But wait—before you lean in with the best of intentions, remember this: how you greet a dog you don’t know can shape their behaviour, their trust, and, quite honestly, your relationship from that moment on.

In this guide, we’re going far beyond the usual “don’t stick your hand in their face” advice. We’ll look at fresh training insights, decoding canine body language, media controversies around dog bites and mislabelling breeds, and how to become the kind of human dogs trust on first impression. All with a light-hearted tone and a hefty dose of country common sense.

You’ve probably seen the viral clip where someone calls out in a thick southern drawl, “Can I pet that dawg?” It's been delightfully memed to the moon and back and while it’s all in good fun, the core message behind it is surprisingly sound: asking before you approach someone else’s dog is one of the most respectful and responsible things you can do. Not every dog wants attention from strangers, and not every moment is the right one. It’s heartening that this meme, however silly, has actually encouraged more people to pause and ask permission before diving in. And frankly, we think that’s brilliant. Because when you start with respect, you’re already halfway to becoming a dog’s best friend.

Tips On How To Greet An Unfamiliar Dog

ABA Pop-Up Quiz Question

1. What’s the first thing you should do when greeting an unfamiliar dog?
A) Reach out with both hands
B) Let the dog approach you
C) Make eye contact to show confidence
D) Offer a treat immediately

💬 Answer revealed at the bottom of the page!

A Gentle Start: The Art of Letting the Dog Say Hello

A recurring theme in canine behaviour training is consent—yes, even from dogs. Just as we humans have social boundaries, so do our dogs. According to Dogs Trust and the RSPCA, allowing a dog to approach you rather than the other way around is one of the safest, most respectful first steps.

The Dog Whisperer Way	The Wrong Way
Stand calmly, side-on to the dog	Reach over the dog’s head
Let them sniff you first	Make direct eye contact
Keep your body language relaxed	Use high-pitched or excited tones

Dogs, particularly those from rescue backgrounds, might not have had positive experiences with humans in the past. Respecting their space and letting them set the pace helps foster trust.

Trending Now: The “Consent Test” for Dogs

One modern training trend growing in popularity is the “consent test”, a method used by trainers and behaviourists to gauge whether a dog wants interaction. The idea is simple: offer affection (a stroke on the side or chest, never the head), then stop. If the dog nudges your hand, stays close, or makes eye contact, they’re probably enjoying it. If they move away or look away, it’s time to give them space.

This technique is increasingly used by professional sitters and dog walkers, particularly those working with nervous or undersocialised dogs. It's empowering not just for the dog, but also for the human, making every interaction a more mindful one.

Media Spotlight: Misunderstood Dogs and the Blame Game

Every so often, the media flares up with another tragic dog bite incident, often placing the blame on specific breeds like; Staffies, XL Bullies, or German Shepherds. But as The Canine & Feline Behaviour Association has highlighted, the root cause is rarely the breed itself but poor socialisation, anxiety, fear, or inappropriate human handling.

In fact, one study published in the journal Scientific Reports showed that behaviour is more about environment than genetics. That’s why how we greet and treat unfamiliar dogs—especially in early encounters—matters so deeply.

This has led to some heated debate over how public dog parks should operate, or whether certain breeds should wear colour-coded harnesses to signal temperament. While the conversation continues, one takeaway remains clear: understanding dog body language is your best defence—and your greatest ally.

ABA Pop-Up Quiz Question

2. What’s the “Consent Test” in dog training?
A) Checking if the dog accepts a lead
B) Asking the owner if the dog bites
C) Offering brief affection, then observing if the dog stays or moves away
D) Letting your dog decide whether they want a treat

💬 Answer revealed at the bottom of the page!

The Power of Body Language: What Dogs Are Really Saying

Forget wagging tails as a universal sign of happiness. Dogs are much more nuanced than that.

Here are a few common signals that say “I’m comfortable” vs. “I’m unsure”:

Comfortable	Uncomfortable
Loose, wiggly body	Tense or stiff posture
Ears in neutral or floppy position	Ears pinned back or high and rigid
Soft blinking eyes	Whale eye (white of eyes visible)
Gentle tail wag, relaxed hips	Tail tucked or high and wagging stiffly
Moving towards you	Turning away, lip licking, yawning

Get this right, and you’ll become someone dogs naturally trust. Get it wrong, and you may make a skittish dog feel trapped—or worse, reactive.

A Rural Reality: Greeting Dogs While Housesitting or Visiting Friends

For those of us who regularly housesit or visit neighbours in the countryside, encountering new dogs is part and parcel of daily life. Many rural dogs are protective by nature—of their land, their flock, and their people. They might be fine at the pub or on the footpath, but act differently when you walk through their garden gate.

When greeting dogs while housesitting (especially in their home territory), keep these extra tips in mind:

Don’t enter the home alone if the dogs haven’t met you with the owners first

Ask about routines: some dogs need structured introductions

Use treats—food is a universal language

Keep your energy calm and confident

In our Essential Homeowner Checklist, we recommend homeowners brief their sitters thoroughly about each pet’s greeting quirks. One dog we care for, for example, only trusts new people once they’ve gone on a walk together. No greeting, just leash on and out the door—and within 10 minutes, they’re best friends.

ABA Pop-Up Quiz Question

3. True or False: A wagging tail always means a dog is happy.

💬 Answer at the very end of the blog! (Hint: it’s more complicated than it looks…)

Actions Speak Louder Than Words (or Woofs)

So what can you do today to build your “dog greeting IQ”?

Practice the consent test on dogs you already know. Learn to read their signals.
Teach children and guests how to approach dogs safely—especially during family get-togethers or visits to the farm.
Use training walks to simulate greetings. Ask a friend to meet you en route and let your dog experience structured greetings.
Introduce the “watch me” command to your dog, which helps redirect focus if they feel overwhelmed during greetings.
Use scent swaps when introducing resident dogs to guest dogs—swap blankets before the meet to let them get used to each other’s scent.

Recommended Gear

Yellow Dog UK ‘I Need Space’ No-Pull Dog Harness

Whether your dog is recovering from trauma, needs space around unfamiliar people, or just isn’t a fan of crowds, this harness does the talking for you. Designed with visibility and comfort in mind, the Yellow Dog UK no-pull harness clearly signals that your dog needs a little room to breathe. Ideal for countryside strolls where curious walkers might not always read the signs—now they will! Perfect for dogs still building confidence with greetings.

ABA Tip: Pair this with consistent training and calm introductions to help your dog feel safer in every new encounter.

Amazon UK

Yellow Dog ‘Nervous Dog’ Lead Sleeve

Polite but firm, this bright yellow lead sleeve is a simple, effective way to inform others that your dog may not be comfortable being approached. Whether you're training a rescue, managing reactivity, or simply want to avoid awkward encounters on the footpath, this waterproof sleeve is a countryside essential. Easily attaches to most standard leads and pairs nicely with the Yellow Dog harness for a full “I need space” kit.

ABA Tip: Sometimes words aren’t enough and this sleeve lets your lead do the talking, so your dog doesn’t have to.

Amazon UK

Heele Soft Adjustable Dog Muzzle (Breathable Design)

For those one-off scenarios where safety has to come first - vet visits, emergencies, or introducing your dog to new people or animals - the Heele soft muzzle offers peace of mind without sacrificing your dog’s comfort. With a secure yet breathable design, it allows panting, sniffing, and treats through training while preventing bites. It’s ideal for owners who want to build positive associations with greetings, while still keeping everyone safe.

ABA Tip: Just like seatbelts, you hope you never need it, but you’ll be glad you had it when the moment arises.

Amazon UK

Greeting a dog the right way isn’t just about safety—it’s about respect. Whether you’re a dog owner, a frequent walker, or someone who visits pet-loving friends in the countryside, your approach can make all the difference. Dogs remember. And when you offer them calmness, choice, and patience, they often reward you with lifelong loyalty.

Have you had a memorable first meeting with a dog—good or bad? We'd love to hear your story in the comments or over on our Facebook page. Want to learn more about canine behaviour? Have a look at our recommended reads below.

ABA Pop-Up Quiz Answers

B – Let the dog approach you. It’s the safest and most respectful way to start an interaction.
C – Offering brief affection, then observing if the dog stays or moves away. It’s a modern, trust-based approach.
False. A wagging tail can also signal stress, alertness, or anxiety—always read the full body language!