Canine Body Language 101: Approaching a Nervous Dog

So far in this series we’ve focused on dog body language with the intention of us better reading our dog’s body language. However, allowing a dog to read OUR body signals is just as important. We stress this strongly to our new employees at Pet U - learn to read a dog’s body language so that you can respond appropriately and gain the dog’s trust. If a dog is cowering in the corner, would you treat him the same as a relaxed, happy pup running around the play group? No, not at all.

This concept can be as simple as comparing it to meeting a child for the first time. What is the first thing you do? Crouch down and get on their level, right? We want to make ourselves seem non threatening and friendly, so we make ourselves as small as possible. Then, we let the child approach us first. Some kids are more nervous than others, and hide their face in their parents legs. Others are more outgoing and will immediately warm up to a friendly stranger.

Dogs are no different. Some will come bounding toward you and shower you with kisses. Others will hide behind their owner’s legs, and others will snap and bark aggressively at strangers.

Here is a rule of thumb for meeting a new dog: If he is making an effort to look either small and harmless (tail tucked, ears pulled back, looking away from you) or big and mean (ears pricked forward, tail straight up, hair raised along back), ignore him. Not all dogs should be approached, especially if they don’t make a move to approach you first.

Our natural instinct is to approach a dog head on, staring down at him, and lowering a hand to pat his head. However, all of this portrays dominant body language in the canine world, and can make a dog feel immediately threatened - dogs who are already anxious will pull farther away, and dogs who have aggressive tendencies might snap unexpectedly.

Take your cue from the owner - wait until he gives you the go-ahead, and then display this body language instead:

1. stop a few feet away
2. crouch down
3. turn your body perpendicular to the dog
4. don’t make eye contact
5. leave your hand down by your side, don't reach out to him

This brings you down to his level, and allows him to check you out as he feels comfortable. Let the dog approach you and sniff at his own pace. If he stays away and maintains his nervous body language, don’t push it. If he does come up to you, check that his posture is relaxed, and wait for him to ask for your attention.

For more tips on reading a dog's body language, visit THIS post on body posture.

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