Meeting New People...

Meeting someone new can be exciting… or awkward. Think about your first day at a new job or walking into a party where you don’t know anyone. Do you walk up to strangers and hug them? Probably not. You scan the room, get a sense of the vibe, maybe hover near the snack table until you feel out who’s safe to talk to. You ease into conversations—making eye contact, sharing a laugh, and slowly building trust.

Dogs are no different. We like to treat dog-human introductions with the same care and respect we’d expect in our own social lives. The goal isn’t to rush a connection—it’s to lay the groundwork for comfortable, peaceful coexistence and allow authentic relationships to grow naturally.

Our Philosophy: Let the Relationship Grow Like a New Friendship

When you start a new job, you're not instantly best friends with your coworkers. You build trust by existing in the same space, sharing friendly and respectful hellos, and staying out of each other’s way until you're both ready to engage.

Dogs need the same grace. A proper introduction isn't about “fixing” how your dog feels about people or forcing friendliness. It's about letting the dog observe, process, and choose to engage when they feel safe enough to do so.

Five Golden Rules for Introducing Dogs to People

1. The Dog Sets the Pace

Imagine being told you have to like someone you just met. That pressure alone can make you dislike them. Dogs are no different—they need time to feel safe. Some are social butterflies, others take multiple meetings to warm up.

Let the dog decide the timeline.

2. Strangers Never Approach the Dog

Picture being cornered by an overly friendly coworker on your first day, leaning into your space before you've had time to breathe. That discomfort? That’s what a dog feels when someone walks toward them, especially if they’re leashed or confined.

Give dogs the same courtesy you’d want—let them make the first move.

3. Dog Enters After the Stranger

Think of hosting a party at your home. If a guest barges into your bedroom uninvited while you are straigtening up, it feels like a boundary violation. Dogs can feel the same way when strangers enter their space while they are in it. A good tip is to let the dog be the one to enter a room after the person is already seated and settled.

4. Strangers Stay Neutral

We’ve all met someone who tries too hard—complimenting your shoes, asking too many questions, trying to "click" before you're ready. It’s off-putting.

Dogs feel that, too. A stranger’s job is not to become your dog’s best friend—it’s simply to be calm, neutral, and non-threatening. Let the dog make the first social move.

5. Handler Manages Interaction Timing

Imagine handing your toddler your car keys because they want to drive. Wanting something doesn’t mean they’re ready for it.

Dogs have “toddler brains” in many ways. They can make impulsive decisions when overstimulated or scared. It's our job to set our dog up for success, ensuring everyone stays safe and the dog doesn’t get overwhelmed.

Busting Common Myths (with Some Real Talk)

• “Let the dog sniff your hand.”That’s like sticking your face in someone’s personal space and saying, “Smell me!” It’s intrusive and can be misread as a threat. Dogs don’t need you to offer your hand—they need space and choice.

• “Just give them a treat—they’ll love you.”Imagine being scared of spiders and someone waves a cookie in your face to make you stand next to one. No amount of cookie makes you less afraid. In fact, now you're conflicted—cookie or fear? Dogs often feel this same internal tension when strangers try to lure them in with treats. Tossing treats away from the dog so they can enjoy it far away from visitors is a great option.

• “Give them a toy—they’ll be fine.”That’s like giving a fidget spinner to someone having a panic attack at a networking event. Toys may distract, but they don’t resolve anxiety. They're better used after the dog is calm—not as a shortcut.

What Actually Works (And Why It Feels Familiar)

✅ Neutral Places with Familiar Vibes

Meeting someone new at a coffee shop feels safer than your living room or their basement. Dogs also benefit from neutral zones—if they feel secure there. Try quiet places like a private Sniff Spot or a calm parking lot on a Sunday morning. Just make sure your dog feels safe before you begin.

The Gold Standard: Home Introductions Done Right

Imagine you’re visiting someone for the first time, and the moment you walk through the door, their roommate jumps out yelling in your face. No thanks. That’s what a front door greeting can feel like to a dog—alarming, overstimulating, and territorial.

Set Up for Success:

• Confine the dog in a quiet area where they can’t see or hear the person arrive.

• Designate a space for introductions, like a living room with room to move and exits available.

• Let the stranger settle first. Bring your dog in calmly later when you’re ready.

• Avoid tension. No leashes held tight. No hovering. Just relaxed observation.

Step-by-Step: From Stranger to “That Person I Tolerate”

1. Treat Tosses: The “Hi, I Brought Snacks” Move

Think of this like setting out a candy dish—non-intrusive, friendly, and easily ignored if not wanted. The stranger tosses treats away from themselves so the dog gets a reward and distance.

2. Watch the Mood

Is your dog stiff, darting away, or fixating? Pause. If they’re soft-bodied and choosing to re-approach, you’re on the right track.

3. Simple Cues or Hand Targets (When Appropriate)

Asking the dog to “sit” or “touch” (targeting a hand) helps gauge comfort. It’s like making eye contact and saying, “Hey, how’s it going?”—a mutual check-in. In the beginning, this should be cued from the dog's trusted human, not the stranger.

4. Casual Play or Chill Time

Once comfort is clear, some dogs enjoy a short game of fetch or tug. Others may just want to lie down near the person. Either is great! Not every “hello” ends in friendship—and that’s okay.

5. No-Pet Policy Unless Invited

Just like humans, not every dog wants physical contact with new people. Respect the dog’s boundaries, even if they approach. Consent matters—always. IF the dog askes to be touched, pet a few times then pause. Watch the dog's body language to see if they were into it.

When in Doubt: Barriers Are Your Friend

Introducing your dog to someone new when there’s any history of fear or aggression is like inviting two people with a complicated past to the same dinner table—without a buffer. A baby gate or exercise pen gives you a safe distance and a way to observe before moving forward.

Think of it like meeting through a window before deciding to open the door.

Just be sure the dog doesn’t become frustrated by the barrier. Scatter feeding, frequent breaks, and slow progression help prevent tension from building.

Final Thoughts: Relationship Building Is a Journey

Friendship isn't immediate—and it shouldn't be expected. For many dogs, simply coexisting peacefully in a room with a new person is a massive success. At Wiggle Butt Academy, we believe in honoring every dog’s emotional experience. A good first impression is respectful, slow, and entirely on the dog’s terms—just like the healthiest human relationships. We’re here to help dogs and humans connect through trust, understanding, and a whole lot of empathy.