Did you know normal human-to-human greetings (direct eye contact, reaching physically toward each other for a handshake/hug, no sniffing) are impolite in a dog greeting, and sometimes downright threatening–especially when you add in the le…aning and reaching over the head that most of us do to dogs because we’re taller than they are? The respectful way to greet a dog is no direct eye contact and no reaching out or over the dog. Instead, give the dog a chance to sniff you before engaging in direct physical or visual contact. It’s also important to remember that a wagging tail does not always equal a friendly dog that wants to interact with you. Want to know more? Check out our ACC Book of the Month Club April selection, Decoding Your Dog, by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.