Why Ignoring a Dog Is The Best Way To Meet Them

We've all heard the suggestion to put your hand up to a dog's nose and let them smell you when they first meet you. It's a recommendation that's made frequently, and as a rescue that has worked with many different types of dogs, we cringe every time we hear it.

If you really want to make a great first impression with a dog, especially one you’ve just met, the best thing you can do is ignore it. Sounds weird, right? But it works, and here’s why.

1. Dogs Have a Great Sense of Smell

You don’t need to get super close for a dog to be able to smell you, and you definitely don’t have to introduce yourself through words or eye contact. Dogs “read” you and the world primarily through scent.

According to the American Kennel Club, a dog’s sense of smell is up to 100,000 times more powerful than ours. This means that you don’t have to get super close to them or shove your hand in their face for them to be able to smell you.

When you ignore a dog, you’re giving them space to sniff, process, and start to understand who you are without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Your Excitement Can Amp Up the Dog

When we get excited around dogs, we raise our voices, speed up our movements, and often crowd their space. While well-meaning, that energy can easily overstimulate or stress a dog out.

For some dogs, especially puppies or anxious rescues, your enthusiasm can escalate their emotions as well. What starts as a happy greeting can quickly turn into jumping, nipping, or fearful behavior. It may even result in biting.

Instead, staying calm and letting them approach when they are ready keeps the interaction grounded and peaceful.

Learn More: Preventing Dog Bites

3. Direct Attention Can Feel Confrontational to Dogs

In the dog world, staring, moving in quickly, or leaning over are dominant or even threatening behaviors. When you rush up to a dog, hover over them, or try to pet them right away, they may feel cornered or overwhelmed.

If a dog feels any of those things, its flight or fight mode may be triggered. And if it opts to fight, you may end up on the receiving end of a bite.

When you turn your body slightly, avoid direct eye contact, and avoid reaching out, you’re saying, “I’m not a threat.” That makes you way less scary and far more approachable.

4. Dogs Need Time To Assess You

Dogs are incredible observers. They’re watching how you move, your tone of voice, your energy, and your scent. When you give them the space to process that information at their own pace, you’re helping them feel more in control of the situation.

This builds the foundation for a more relaxed, confident interaction and reduces the chances of fear-based behavior like barking, snapping, lunging, or biting.

Learn More: Dog Body Language

5. Nervous Dogs Shouldn’t Be Forced Into Interacting

Many dogs, particularly those from shelters or tough backgrounds, might be cautious around strangers. Forcing them to interact before they’re ready can seriously backfire.

Instead of forcing a nervous dog into interacting with you, ignore them. If you really felt like you needed to do something to make them more interested in you, you could toss some treats in their direction to help build a positive association with interacting with you.

Ultimately, giving a nervous dog time and choice about engaging with you is not only kind but also safe.

6. It Builds Trust

By ignoring a dog, you’re communicating something powerful: “I respect your space.” That respect lays the groundwork for trust.

Once the dog chooses to approach you, often after sniffing and observing from a distance, you can then slowly engage with a calm, open demeanor. This kind of interaction is way more likely to result in a positive connection and ongoing comfort.

So What Should You Do Instead?

If you want to have a positive, successful meeting with a dog, try the following:

• Give the dog space

• Turn your body slightly to the side (not square-on)

• Keep your hands to yourself

• Avoid direct eye contact

• Consider gently and slowly tossing some treats on the ground in the dog’s direction

• Let the dog sniff you first

• Wait for them to initiate contact

If the dog approaches you calmly with a relaxed body and wagging tail, then you can ask their handler if it’s okay to pet them. If you get the green light, remember to pet them on their side, chest, or under their chin, not the top of the head.

Final Thoughts

It might feel counterintuitive, but ignoring a dog when you first meet them is one of the best things you can do. It shows that you're willing to build a relationship based on trust instead of pressure.

The next time you meet a new pup, stay calm, stand back, and let the dog make the first move.

Sources

1. Reisen, J. (2022, November 2). The Nose Knows: Is There Anything Like a Dog’s Nose? Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/the-nose-knows/