Question
How can I prepare my dog for its first meeting with a borrower?
Answer
Dogs are all different. Whether yours is outgoing, shy, playful, or fearful, you will need to take their personality into consideration to make the first meeting go as smoothly as possible. However, there are some tactics that work for all dogs and help develop a loving relationship with a new person.
Of course, bring everything your dog needs when you take it out: leash, poop bag, etc.
Everyone can feel anxious during a new encounter, and dogs are no exception. The best way to help it feel confident is to be confident yourself and act friendly towards the borrower so that your dog senses that the unknown person is not a threat. If your dog is shy, don't force physical contact between it and the borrower; this will come naturally as they spend time together and your dog feels more confident.
Once your dog is confident, it is a good idea to do activities that it likes with its new friend to strengthen their bond. Playing ball, with its favorite toys, or doing things for treats will establish not only a friendship bond but also a dominance bond from the borrower, which is important for the dog to respond to commands and obey when they are alone together.
Once a good relationship is established between you, your dog, and the potential borrower, you can decide together when and where you will entrust your dog for the first time! Note that sometimes several meetings in the presence of the owner are necessary to establish the friendship and trust between the dog and the borrower.