SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/dog-bite-eye-contact

Which greeting can look threatening to an unfamiliar dog?

Direct eye contact or approaching it straight on.

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  1. Staring and walking straight at it ✔
  2. Asking the owner first
  3. Standing still and waiting

Why: The AVMA says to avoid direct eye contact and head-on approaches with unfamiliar dogs because they may seem threatening.

Huh, didn't know that: The AVMA says millions of people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year.

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Why did the dog blink first? He lost the staring contest on purpose.
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References

Answer: Staring and walking straight at it. The AVMA says to avoid direct eye contact and head-on approaches with unfamiliar dogs because they may seem threatening.

  1. AVMA, Dog Bite Prevention www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention
    Avoid direct eye contact with unfamiliar dogs or approaching them straight on, as this may seem threatening.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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DogsA dog tucks its tail under its belly or leg. What may that mean?DogsA dog yawns, puts its ears back or raises a paw. What might that show?DogsA strange dog walks up to sniff you. What does the AVMA say to do?

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