Why You Shouldn't Pet Other People's Dogs on the Head: The Subtleties of Behavior
Everyone has known since childhood the truth that you can’t pet other people’s dogs and that it can end badly.
There is no need to explain anything at length, it is enough that a dog can bite. It is just not clear why a dog is going to bite a person who wants to pet it.
An attempt to pet a strange dog on the head often ends predictably. At best, the dog will scare you with loud barking or bite your hand.
This is not the best way to establish contact with the first dog you meet on the street. The reason is as follows.
It turns out that dogs, including wild ones and even their close relatives – wolves, interpret this gesture in exactly the same way.
When fighting each other, dogs demonstrate their superiority over a defeated opponent by placing a paw on the head.
Instinctively, the animal understands that the opponent may be stronger and either gives in or defends itself.
The gesture of a person who tries to pet an unfamiliar dog on the head is perceived by the animal as an attempt to dominate it, at least this is what experts believe.
When trying to pet an animal, you need to watch its behavior.
Pressed ears and tail indicate that the dog is aggressive. Animals are less cautious when trying to pet their neck, stomach or chest. But it is better not to risk it with unfamiliar dogs.
