Correct way to approach a GSD?

[Jambaa]

I've read in many posts that people often approach your GSDs incorrectly. I've always read that you're supposed to extend a hand down low so dogs can sniff you first before trying to pet them. It seems like that's bad advice. So what would be the correct way? I know you're not supposed to lean over them, pet them on to top of the head, or hug them. So how does someone approach a friendly to neutral GSD to greet them? Obviously, you just stay away from the ones who don't want to be bothered.

I'm just asking because I will get a GSD in the future and I'd like to be able to provide some guidance when people come up to us. Thanks.

[debbiebrown]

i think the best way is to let them come sniff and investigate someone if they choose to, rather than someone approach them...........on the other hand if the gsd is stable in temperment and properly socialized they shouldn't feel threatened when someone approaches them............

the best way to avoid any ill effects if to ask the owner whether or not the dog is approachable and if it will accept a pat or treat..........

[DJEtzel]

Really, this stuff is how you should approach ALL dogs, not just GSDs. Getting down to their level is very useful, and not staring or moving quick. They approach you the rest of the way and sniff, then you can pet.

[onyx'girl]

On Talking Terms with dogs; Calming signals by Turid Rugaas is a great book(also a DVD) for dog communication/manners.
A sideways stance, no eye contact, shows you are no threat and letting the dog do the first sniff is always best, IMO.
Never bend over a dog that doesn't know you-common sense that some don't have...

[debbiebrown]

all gsd's are individuals...............and all dogs are too........so, again i would always either ask the owner first, or better still the owner should always instruct people how to approach their dog..........

[Liesje]

Originally Posted by debbiebrown

all gsd's are individuals...............and all dogs are too........so, again i would always either ask the owner first, or better still the owner should always instruct people how to approach their dog..........

I agree with this. My two male dogs you can approach any way you want. They love people and are very social. You could sneak up and spank them on the butt and they'd think that was funny and lick all over your arms. They just aren't spooked by people and either don't notice or get a kick out of behavior that might seen confrontational to other dogs.

My female is very aloof, sometimes shows nerves depending on the approach. She does better if the person acts natural - not creeping around, moving slow, and not coming full on trying to shower her with affection, but just walking upright towards her in a natural way. One thing she does not like is people kissing her head or grabbing her face in their hands. If people want to touch her I have them scratch her ears or on her chest, she loves that.

When I want to pet someone else's dog, I ask the owner. If the dog comes up to me and is sniffing my crotch or whatever, I just say "oh hi there!" in a nice voice and maybe pat his side and tell the owner I don't mind, but I generally let the dog investigate me.

[LaRen616]

I would say dont touch the dog and dont look at the dog. Ignore it. That way it can come up to and sniff you and not feel like your threatening it. Some dogs feel threatened when you get down in their face and pet them. However, when someone is meeting my dog for the first time I tell them to extend their hand, my dog loves shaking peoples hands. If he'll give his hand to them then they can pet him.

[Jason L]

I do what Jane does: stand sideway, make no idea contact, and extend my hand out for them to sniff. I do this for all dogs, big and small. Of course, I also don't go around asking people if I can pet their dogs ... unlike some people in my neighborhood.

[MaggieRoseLee]

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

On Talking Terms with dogs; Calming signals by Turid Rugaas is a great book(also a DVD) for dog communication/manners.
A sideways stance, no eye contact, shows you are no threat and letting the dog do the first sniff is always best, IMO.
Never bend over a dog that doesn't know you-common sense that some don't have...

I second that recommendation. It's AMAZING what's going on with dogs that we can mirror and help any situation. I personally much prefer the DVD to the book (though you could buy both ). The DVD has a ton of GSD's in the mix of dogs she's showing as examples so I could really see exactly what to look for in my dogs. In action rather than stills. And movement is different.

I'd also add that talking to the dog's owner before touching their dog is also a huge help. For those dogs that are well socialized but just a bit unsure, their ability to 'read' their owners body language and hopefully welcoming ways will also calm the dog and make it more willing to say hey!

[TxRider]

I'll hold my hand out, but I don't reach down and touch the dog, I reach down and let the dog approach and sniff my hand. And take it from there. And being 6'4" I often will squat enough distance away, just out my arms reach from them, at an angle not directly facing them, so they don't have to walk under me bending way over them and let them approach.

I also approach my own dogs and do all the stuff people do when approaching dogs a lot. That way they are well used to having their faces held, pats on the head, faces close, etc.

It works ok, Kaya doesn't trust strangers and is very cautious, and she is not a facey facey dog and doesn't give kisses not even to me. She doesn't like face close to hers but she tolerates it fine now. And any kind of petting. Moving too fast will key her off and make her anxious, but people rarely do that.

Hope is friendly to everyone, will give anyone a big wet kiss and can be approached any way and petted anyway you want. She loves getting attention and fears nobody.

BUT, if you approach her acting obviously scared, using a lot of physical body language showing fear, like reaching out and snapping your hand back, shifting your weight back like your going to jump back from her, she will lock eyes on yours, back off a step or two, and become aloof and even start barking at you.