We love dogs.
Here is how we show it.
Valentine's Day is on the horizon, and love is in the air. A common love we all have is dogs! Our personal dogs know us, trust us, love us, cuddle us, and some might even hug and kiss us. But is physical touch necessary to show dogs we love them? No! There are so many other ways we can show new, unfamiliar dogs that we love and appreciate them.
The simplest way to show a new dog we love them is by giving them choices. Everyone deserves the option to say "no" to being touched. This can look like a dog moving away, ducking their head, flexing their ears back, licking their lip, looking away, having a stiff body, tucking their tail, etc. Eileen Anderson wrote a wonderful article that explains, in depth, if a dog really wants to be petted.
Choice is a primary reinforcer for dogs, meaning dogs naturally enjoy choosing what happens to them. So, when we allow dogs to approach us to solicit affection, we are creating a safe, low risk space. Just because we can lean over, stick our hands all over a new dog, grab their face and pull them close, does not mean we should—this is creating a perfect recipe for a dog to bite.
Easy ways to show new dogs we love them:
• Asking permission from the person *and* dog to solicit touch.
• Watching their body language to see if they want to be petted or if they don't want to be petted any more.
• Verbally complimenting a dog on their outfit, or sweet face, or waggy tail.
If a new dog is in your care:
• Give them a treat (food is a universal love language)!
• Create a special enrichment activity: Kong, Lickimat, snuffle mat, or puzzle toy.
• Go on a decompression walk and let them sniff!
