'I'm a dog trainer - follow these tips before petting dogs that don't trust you'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

While dogs might seem small and adorable, it’s crucial to respect their boundaries, especially when they belong to someone else.

Petting a dog you don't know requires caution, and dog trainer Adam Spivey, the founder of Southend Dog Training, has shared some vital advice to ensure interactions stay safe for both you and the dog, Express reports.In a TikTok video, Adam demonstrated the importance of letting the dog see your hand first. “The dog always needs to see the hand coming and you'll see if it [the hand] is down low then it's non-threatening,” he explained.

He then emphasized the risk of approaching a dog from above, where it might not see your hand coming. "Also, [stroking] from behind you can startle the dog," he added. "So always underneath and remember - you shouldn't be stroking anybody's dog unless the owner has given you permission."He wrapped up with a simple yet crucial reminder: "Always follow the owner's instructions, because they know better than you."This advice resonated with TikTok users.

One commented: "I always tell people this when they are petting my pups - ask them how they’d like someone reaching behind their heads." Another shared their appreciation: "Yes I always ask the owner.