When someone asks if your dog bites them when meeting your dog for the first time, it's essential to respond in a friendly, reassuring, and informative manner. Here's a good way to handle the situation:
Stay Calm and Friendly: Smile and remain calm while responding. A relaxed and positive demeanor will help put both the person and your dog at ease.
Reassure Them: Provide a simple but reassuring response such as, "Don't worry, my dog is friendly and has never bitten anyone."
Read Your Dog's Body Language: While you are responding, observe your dog's body language. If your dog is behaving calmly and happily, you can point that out to the person, saying something like, "See how friendly he is? He's just excited to meet new people."
Ask for Consent: Always respect the other person's feelings and comfort level. You can ask if they would like to say hello to your dog but emphasize that it's entirely up to them.
Educate on Dog Interaction: If the person seems hesitant or fearful, you can take the opportunity to educate them about dog interaction. Share some general tips, such as approaching the dog calmly, letting the dog sniff their hand first, and avoiding sudden movements.
Leash and Control: If you're in a public place or around someone who is not comfortable with dogs, make sure your dog is on a leash and under control.
Gauge the Situation: If the person remains fearful or uncomfortable, be understanding and avoid insisting on an introduction. Some people may have had negative experiences with dogs in the past, and it's essential to respect their feelings.
Offer Space: Give the person some space if they prefer to keep a distance from your dog. Not everyone is comfortable interacting with dogs, and that's perfectly fine.
Always Supervise: When introducing your dog to new people, supervise the interaction to ensure that both the person and your dog are comfortable and safe.
Remember, your dog's behavior and the way you respond can leave a lasting impression. By handling the situation with kindness, respect, and understanding, you can help create a positive experience for both the person and your furry friend.