Never squat down near a dog without an owner or a dog that is acting aggressive (see the signs listed above). Remain standing to defend yourself in case the dog attacks.
Ask the owner for the dog’s name and use it to coax the dog. Some dogs have been trained to respond to the sound of their name, and they may be less shy or aggressive.
Do not offer your open hand, as an unfamiliar dog may bite your fingers, thinking they are treats. The dog sniffing you is evaluating you, not asking to be pet. Wait until the dog is done sniffing before moving on. Don’t worry if a dog licks you. It’s just the dog’s way of saying they trust you and have affection for you, similar to kissing for humans.
Many dogs enjoy being scratched at the top of their back, on either side of the spine. The front end near the neck and shoulders has a lower chance of making the dog anxious than the back end near the tail and hind legs. Stay away from the dog’s legs, tail, and private parts. Friendly dogs may enjoy being pet under the chin or on the chest, but others dislike strangers reaching near their jaw.
Besides giving the dog an enjoyable massage, this will help you keep track of which “bumps” are normal and always present, and which are newly developed and could be signs of health problems.
Massaging puppies on the feet can make later nail trimming much easier, as the puppies get used to having their feet touched.
To massage a puppy’s mouth, gently rub the cheeks and jaw in a circular pattern. To massage its gums as well, use a “finger toothbrush” from a pet store or vet office. [8] X Research source
