How do you approach a dog?

I generally don't approach dogs I don't know if they seem skiddish about the things around them. If the dog seems friendly, I'll let it sniff my hand to see how they will react before I decide if I will pet them or not. Most of the time the dogs are okay to pet. I especially like those that become submissive after they smell you. I like to rub their bellies and scratch their backs.

there are many ways that you can approach a dog who doesnt know you.... are you talking about a stray dog....or are you talking about a friends dog who you are visiting for the first time? now with stray dogs its different..... these dogs are mostly hungry for all the love they can get cos they are most of the time shooed away by people..... so mostly they are very scared.... so there the approach has to be very kind and humble.... use soothing words to call them.... not a harsh voice.... like the things you would say to a baby in your arms...... now if its a dog of your friends who you are meeting for the first time then you will have to ask your friend about the dogs temprament..... and basically have a relaxed attitude towards the dog..... let him smell you first...get all the fears out of you cos thats the first thing that the dog would smell on you.... fear..... once he is done smelling you , you will relax and so will the dog....then go on to pet him .... then the dog is all yours.... not literally... :P all the best with finding your new dog friends !!

Well, in such a cases I am rather scared and fully prepared to run away. But I have found that dogs react positively towards me. Only once in my life a dog reacted negatively and it simply bit me. I had to take 7 injections

I hear that dogs can smell fear ,consequently when I am approaching a dog ,I try to be confident.This does not mean however that I will go out of my way to approach a dog if I dont have to. I also listen to their body language and sounds as I approach them ,If I hear a growl that is getting louder and more menacing then I try to stay away from the animal as much as possible .If I hear as growl that eventually gets lower and more like a friendly invite then I will approach closer. Another thing that give away a dogs moood is his tail and tongue .If his tail is straight stay away he could be ready to attack but if he is wagging his tail then he is in a playful mode and you can approach and even pat him on his head.With regards to his tongue ,if its hanging form his head and he is taking deep slow breaths then he is approachable but if its not and he is taking short breaths ,stay far ! . Note these are just my observation and might not work for every dog.lol

hello there friend... i just simply casually reach the dog... if the dog start barking at me then i simply walk away... if it starts to chase you, don't run... instead bend down and act like you're taking a rock or something... this will make the dog scared and runs away... it's the basic protection for you from any harm...

Most of the time I will assume the submissive position and immediately roll onto my back upon encountering a dog. I then tentatively lick the superior canine's muzzle. Sometimes, if this strategy is unsuccessful, I will scent myself with urine in order to appeal to the dog's basest instincts. After this introduction we are usually great friends!! Hope that helped!