What do you do when...

[oakash]

dogs approach you at a dog park? Do you let them sniff your hand them try and pet them, or do you just keep your hands to yourself and keep walking?

When I have dogs approaching me, I usually give them my hand, then maybe try and pet their head, but so many seem head shy I have given up on that and just let them sniff then continue doing whatever I was doing. Maybe they are scared of my height. I am 5'8" and something.

 

[PoodleMommy]

I usually pet them if they come up to me.

Most of the people who bring their dogs to the dog park here have very well socialized, well behaved dogs... so I have never seen an issue with them being handled by other owners.

 

[colliewog]

I usually wait for a confident approach of a dog wanting to be petted, otherwise I don't really bother trying to befriend anyone.

 

[Southpaw]

If they come up to me with their tail going a mile a minute, I'll usually pet them on the head. Honestly though most of the time I ignore them, especially since most of them are either wet from being in the pond, so boisterous that I think they're going to jump up on me, or both.

 

[stellasmama]

I see what the dog does....when a dog comes over....I let it sniff me...my hand...and then I pat it....scratch the bum...get slobbered on....

 

[Sher]

I usually let them sniff my hand then scratch under the chin if they seem receptive. I don't like to pet the top of the head as some dogs have a 'thing' about reaching over their heads if they don't know you...

 

[dogsarebetter]

i let them sniff me, and I pet the chest.

 

[CharlieDog]

I'll pet them. Most of the dogs that come are very well socialized and well behaved. For the most part.

 

[happyhound]

I'll put my hand down and let them sniff. If they want to be pet after a sniff, then I'll pet, but for the most part it seems like they just want to check out what's new in the park.

 

[oakash]

Okay, I was just wondering becuase most of the people at my dog park will pet my dog, but I don't see them petting any other dog. Thats probably becasue my dog loves people, she will go and stand next to them, just looking around until she see someone else to go see.

Those labs are always willing to be petted, and I saw a HUGE one!! It was so tall I could have my arm 3/4 of the way down and would sill easily pet the head. I t looked purebred, but wow, it had to have great dane in there somewhere.

 

[JessLough]

I'll let them sniff me, then give them a scratch. Usually start with under the chin or the sides of the face, then will see if they'll let me pet the top of their head. I don't know, it seems like a nice thing you could do too, it helps the dog get used to having people it doesn't know pet him/her, without the owner right there.

 

[oakash]

I never thought about it helping the dog. Huh, well, there is a lot I don't know.