Did you know that the number one cause of dog bites to strangers is due to reaching over the top of a dog’s head? Yet, most people your puppy will meet with blithely go to pet the top of their head anyway. We can’t change how the public is going to interact, but we can change how our own dog sees that kind of interaction. We can give them a way to understand that they are giving Permission for Pets. Bonus, when we teach this, it works as part of a routine taught which also prevents unwanted jumping and gives the pup the way to back out instead of biting. That’s a Big Win for everyone! This is a crucial step in teaching dogs boundaries and preventing dog bites.
Prerequisites: Puppy knows how to Touch (Nose Target to Hand), usually at least 3–4 days after introducing the cue and working on building distance. This foundation is also a part of how to pet a dog properly, ensuring interactions are safe and respectful.
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How to teach:
Once Touch cue is reliable, begin to offer cue from slightly different angles, keeping palm out but going step by step around the side of pup's head. Pay each Touch!
Repeat for both hands and both sides of head (clockwise and anti-clockwise)
Eventually go over top of pup's head so they reach up with nose to Touch when hand reaches above their head
Begin to finish with a pet on the head, after the Touch and before the reward
Now puppies will be able to choose if they want a pet on the head or not, from you and from strangers. This method aligns with both how to pet a dog properly and strategies for teaching dogs boundaries.
(2nd Bonus, they don't grab your hand with their mouth when you offer it to them from any angle around their head, another step in preventing dog bites.)
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