Help your dog relax when greeting new people or dogs by giving your dog a consistent "be friendly" cue. In a happy, relaxed voice, ask your dog to "Say hi!" Over time, these words will be a sign to your dog that something good is going to happen.
In training, remember to not set up your dog with a bad experience. Observe the body language of dogs you don't know. A friendly dog has relaxed, fluidly moving body postures. Unfriendly dogs are stiff. Do not cue your dog to greet a dog who does not look friendly even if that dog's owner says it's OK. You be the judge!
Praise friendly postures as you allow dogs to touch noses but be prepared to pull your dog back if tensions rise suddenly.
Animal behavior experts Susan and Rolan Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.
