This is an issue I constantly contend with as my dog Jackie Chan can be aggressive and unpredictable around strangers, particularly behind my gate and with bicyclists and motorcyclists. Also, with kids, she’s not a fan. There’s just too much movement, noise and commotion going on there for her.

Let me also say that Jackie was abused as a puppy and so she is not trusting of most people, but especially if you come towards her face with your hands. Where she stayed before she came to live with me, the people constantly hit her and poked her in the face with a stick. She followed me home as I was the only one that had ever shown her any kindness. People can be so cruel and heartless when it comes to animals, sadly, all over the world.

The thing I find the most important is to convey relaxed body language with a dog you’ve never met. I have one friend that comes over and she casually glides right in and out with Jackie paying her any mind as she doesn’t see her as a threat.

When our close friends come over, she’s fine, but often with new people she is very unsure of, her hair goes right up from the get go. I can usually tell right away if that could end badly.

When I see she is agitated by someone, or is acting aggressively, I remove her from the situation as not to make her or others uncomfortable. If they’re dog people, then I just let them know not to look directly at her or try to pet her. Basically, just ignore her. I know that may sound harsh, but it’s for the best when meeting any unfamiliar dog in my opinion. Often within a period of time, could be minutes, or several visits, Jackie usually comes around. Once she feels someone isn’t intimidating, she usually will relax and go on about her business.

If I have guests, or friends that come to stay, she is okay pretty much right away. When she sees them settling in, she accepts that they have been okayed by me to be in our space. I really find it fascinating that every pet sitter I’ve ever had often took to Jackie Chan much more than my Bolo, who loved affection, and was just the coolest guy ever.

Try to follow some basic dos and don’ts when meeting a new dog.

What To Do:

• Give the dog their space, and keep a safe distance.
• Watch a dog’s body language, a wagging tail isn’t always friendly.
• If approaching a dog you don’t know, or are wary of, pretend you’re ignoring him or her and allow the dog to come to you.
• Stand straight, squat down or turn your back to the dog, but don’t crouch over them.
• Keep your body loose and relaxed – and smile, don’t stare.
• If you speak, keep it calm and reassuring, yet happy and warm.
• If the dog shows interest by sniffing you, then you can slowly offer the dog your hand.
• Once you let the dog sniff your hand, if he or she wants to, and you’re comfortable, you may try to pet them. Do not go immediately over their head though, try the chest or shoulder first.
• For dogs who are old, deaf or blind, take extra care not to make sudden movements that might startle them.
• If at any time during the interaction the dog backs away, stop the contact, unless they come back for more. The dog will clearly let you know if he or she wants further connection, or not. Respect his or her wishes.

What Not To Do:

• Some dogs find direct eye contact a signal of aggression, so try to avoid that.
• Reach over the dog’s head and try to pat them.
• Neglect to ask a dog’s human for permission to pet their dog.
• Put your face up close to a dog’s face.
• Quickly approach a dog, especially with hand gestures.
• Walk up behind a dog and touch them unaware.
• Make sudden gestures in front of a dog’s face.
• Crouch over at a dog you’re unsure of.
• Remember, just because you love all dogs, all dogs may not love you. We all have our own tastes and nuances. Again, respect the dog and let them decide if or when they want contact – don’t force it.

We’ve all been guilty of one or more of these things, so no judgement here!

These all sound like reasonable responses and hopefully people will heed the warning signs any dog gives off that they’d much rather be left alone, and will cover this topic in a future post.

This all being said, I live in a country with thousands of street dogs. These suggestions apply in Thailand as well, but I find more often than not, that the street dogs here are open to a pat as they’re often so terribly neglected. Still air on the side of caution when meeting any unfamiliar dog, but by all means continue to love up as many dogs as you can! They are such amazingly wonderful and intelligent creatures with so much to teach us. May we all be recipients of their affections at some point in our lifetimes!