...do dogs wag their tails?
My immediate response: OF COURSE THEY DO!!
The truth is, they probably don't. Poochie's tail is used to communicate (both positive & negative messages) & if no one is around to look at her tail & receive the message, perhaps it is motionless. (just like the proverbial soundless falling tree in the woods.)
note to self: get a "nanny-cam" & find out the truth.
reply to self: when am I ever gonna have just ONE DOG alone to test this theory?
I have another question for you...
True or False: You should always let a dog sniff your hand before you pet it.
OMG - ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME???? Do you want to get a finger bit off???
BAD, BAD advice to put your hand out for sniffing.
I see people do it all the time.
I have four dogs in my household that would bite you & make you cry first & maybe think about being your friend in 15 or 20 minutes. (that's four of eight, or, for those of you who suck at fractions, HALF of my dog pack would put a hurt on you if you stuck your hand in their mug in the early minutes of your first meeting.)
If you see a dog you want to pet, I recommend trying this little trick:
Ask the one holding the leash if it's okay.
If you're at a loss for exactly what to say, try this: "May I pet your dog?" (I made that up, just now!)
If they say YES, you can probably trust that Poochie is not timid or fearful & probably won't bite. BUT really, your next step should be to just ease up quietly, without leaning over Poochie & let her sniff your stinky self, on the leg or ankle or wherever she can reach, with your hands loosely at your side, NOT shoved into Poochie's nose. Trust me on this. (You ARE aware that dogs have a good sense of smell, aren't you? Extrapolate with me here...you probably don't need to leave fingerprints on a dog's nasal passages in order for them to appreciate your scent.)
Some dogs are very social & exuberant & you will know this right away as they try to tackle you & lick you to death. With them, just submit to the slobber & love.
Other dogs can be a bit more reserved. As you sidle up, you should see the tension/curiosity leave Poochie after a few moments (or sometimes longer. Give her a chance, people, to organize her smell-thoughts) & then it is safe to slowly & softly pet Poochie. Petting the chest is nice - way better than the head.
Oh & try to avoid that macho man - "I am dominant" - thumping on the dog's side - thing. Dammit, it pisses me off when people pound on my dogs.
Special Warning: For the sake of all that is holy, do NOT force your face into a new dog's face. Keep your face away. You can lean in for kisses in a few minutes. Just because Poochie is comfortable with the smell of your hairy legs & pants & enjoys your gentle touch doesn't mean she wants your grill up in hers from the git.
However & having said all of that, if you do suffer a bite from Poochie, come on in to the dermatology office if it's during working hours & for a small fee I'll get you on some antibiotics & try to spare you the lecture.
DISCLAIMER (very serious notes to reader):
I am not a dog trainer, nor do I proclaim to be an expert.
I love dogs more than people on most days.
I have many concurrent dog years worth of experience of what not to do!
Just keep in the back of your mind that I make all of this crap up.
