subject: How To Approach A Dog [print this page] Affectionate, loyal, friendly, gentle - these admirable qualities are the reasons why dogs are considered as man's best friends. However, some breeds are naturally aggressive so that ownership of these dogs is prohibited in some countries. Guard and protection dogs are specifically developed to have an aggressive and ferocious temperament.
After domestication, dogs have become well loved and loyal companions of man for thousands of years. A well mannered dog can easily bare its teeth and show an aggressive temperament as in spite of the long years of domestication the ferocious nature remained. More than 4 million people in United States get bitten by dogs every year. Many of the victims were attacked by their own dogs. Learning how to approach a dog is therefore very necessary.
It is necessary for dog owners to learn how to safely approach the dog. Dogs are highly territorial and food motivated. A dog will guard its territory, food and toys. Once a threat to its territory is perceived, even a friendly and gentle dog would bare its teeth, growl and get ready to attack. It would never be wise to just approach the dog to get a toy or to get the food bowl especially if the dog is eating. Not knowing that your purpose in taking away the bowl is to add more food, the action will stir up the dog's latent aggressive temperament.
Children will always be enticed to pat a dog. The little ones cannot resist touching a sleeping pet. A pat would startle a sleeping pet causing it to instinctively bite. Children must be made to understand that it is dangerous to startle a sleeping dog. To be safe it is necessary to approach the dog slowly and to make sure that the pet is aware that you are there.
Because of the close bond, a dog will tolerate family members to access its territory but aggression will certainly be shown to unfamiliar people. Dog lovers will always be enticed to touch a handsome dog. A gentle looking dog though may turn aggressive to the touch of an unfamiliar person . Ask the owner if it is alright to touch the dog. If it's OK to pat the dog, slowly approach the dog directly but do not stare directly into the eyes of the dog lest the animal take your look as a challenge. Test the temperament of the dog by extending a palm-down hand. A friendly dog will sniff the offered hand.
by: Jerry Welsh
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