O.K. Fellows, you're getting close. I am a dog person, a cat person, a horse person, guinea pigs, goats, you name it, I like it and get along with it. As Warren said, you need to understand the other creature and operate on its terms. Would you speak to a client who spoke only Spanish in English? Obviously, any method needs to adapt to the precise situation, but here are some tips. When you meet a dog, bend over or squat down to its level. Greet it before the owner! Ask it's name right away. Use the name. It wants to know who and what you are and how you relate to those who live in the house. The dog thinks that's its job. These positions also protects your nethers by the way and keeps it from jumping on you. Put your stuff down, let the dog sniff everything. If you moved a bit slow, (perhaps hung up getting through the door with your stuff), and the dog is jumping on you, push it down from its chest. As Warren said, offer it your hand, underhand, move smoothly, gently but firmly, talk in friendly tones to the dog (by the way, they will sense your insincerity well, so lighten up). "Hi, how are you, aren't you beautiful!" Rub below the ear on the neck and begin talking to the owner while you're petting the dog. Hold the collar firmly if it's trying to establish moves on you. Gradually position yourself so you are over the dog's neck. You can be rubbing it with two hands, whatever works. You've just won a dominance move, and the dog loved it. If the dog flops and lets you rub its belly you've a friend for life. Then the most important tip. If you act irritated with the dog, the owners won't like you. You can always say with a smile, "I'm sorry to bother you, but would it be o.k. if you put the dog in another room so I can concentrate?" Good luck! p.s. you can only contract those cat diseases if you get scratched or you clean it's litter box. Anne Beetem Harpsichords & Historic Pianos 2070 Bingham Ct. Reston, VA 20191 abeetem@wizard.net
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