Hey! Don’t just run up to a strange dog, stick out your hands and start ruffling its fur! The dog might get spooked by your actions and you also could get a nice little (or big) nip for your troubles, too.

Here's the proper way to make the acquaintance of a dog you want to meet. As you'll see, proceed slowly in your endeavors:

1.       Always ask the owner of the dog if it’s O.K. to pet his/her dog when it’s on a leash . You should never greet a dog that’s loose (not on a leash) without an owner

2.       Approach the dog’s owner and ask if you can pet the dog

3.       If the answer is no, DO NOT pet the dog

4.       If the dog’s owner say’s it’s O.K., slowly curl your hand into a closed fist with the back of your hand facing upwards

5.       Slowly extend your hand toward the dog

6.       Let the dog sniff your hand…this is the way dogs get to know people

7.       Once the dog has sniffed your hand for a few seconds, you can open your hand and pet it slowly under its chin or on the chest

Following these instructions can help you make some new canine friends and quite possibly save you some pain, too.