How do dogs greet each other?

How Do Dogs Greet?

Dogs greet in different ways depending on the level of trust established between the dog and the person. A dog will not greet a stranger the same way it greets its owner. Their way of expression can vary even among individuals of the same species.

How Do Dogs Greet?

A dog’s greeting largely depends on the confidence it feels toward the person or another dog.

Like wolves, dogs have a strong social instinct and require order within their pack. In the case of domestic dogs, the family takes on the role of the initial pack or social group. Within this system, codes and languages, including greetings, are established.

• Approach: The dog approaches in a curved posture to show it means no harm.
• Examination: At this stage, the dog will assess the person’s pheromones to detect emotions like fear, nervousness, sadness, or jealousy.
• Reaction: Once the dog has evaluated the person’s emotions, it will respond accordingly—by wagging its tail, jumping, barking, or walking away.

Types of Dog Greetings

Dogs have three types of greetings:

1. Greetings between familiar people who have a bond of trust and emotional connection.
2. Greetings between two unfamiliar dogs.
3. Greetings from a dog to people, either those in its “pack” or strangers.

When two familiar dogs meet, they begin a ritual of gestures and postures that indicate they are relaxed and confident. They sniff each other, touch each other’s backs, and lower their front bodies to the ground while raising their tails to express a desire to play.



When two unfamiliar dogs meet, the greeting is much cooler. The gestures from both animals are more tense, as each dog waits for the other’s response to gauge whether a friendly interaction is possible.

The Role of Dog Greetings

In a pack, it’s easier to identify the function of a greeting. It reinforces the hierarchical order within the group. Depending on their position, each dog behaves differently. For example, a lower-ranking dog will show submissive behavior, while a dominant dog remains calm and confident. Puppies, for instance, will display submissiveness when greeting older dogs.

How Do Dogs Greet People?

When greeting people, dogs exhibit various gestures depending on their level of confidence. In cases where a dog has had negative experiences with humans, it may become aggressive. However, a dog’s joy in greeting its owner can be so overwhelming that it jumps and circles around them.

• The pet may lie on its back as a sign of submission and trust since the belly is a vulnerable area for dogs.
• The dog may lick the person wherever it can reach, usually the legs, hands, or face.
• It might “love-bite”—pretending to bite without causing harm.
• The dog may bring its favorite toy as an offering. This could be a ball, a plush toy, or even food.
• The dog might bark out of excitement, and in cases of strong emotions, it might even cry.

How to Greet a Dog?

When greeting an unfamiliar dog, it’s important to observe the dog’s behavior to see if it’s open to interaction. Approach cautiously but confidently, avoiding sudden movements or loud noises that might confuse the dog.

If the dog is at a distance, it’s best to respect its space and wait. Regardless of how receptive the dog seems, allow it to approach and sniff you first. Refrain from petting it unless you’re sure it’s comfortable with your presence.



When greeting a familiar dog, there are usually no restrictions. If you feel confident with the dog, you can pet it, pick it up, kiss it, or play with it, depending on the situation.

How to Teach Your Dog to Greet Others?

Dogs often learn how to greet during their early socialization with their littermates and mother. If this doesn’t happen and the puppies are separated too early, it’s essential to teach them these skills at home.

Like with separation anxiety, it’s a good idea to consult a canine trainer or behaviorist to determine what’s wrong with the dog’s greeting ritual and correct it in time. A well-trained dog will greet people with the greatest joy and will make its family happy every day.