How to Be Friends With a Stray Dog

This is for all you dog lovers; for I know that you are on this article because you are one. There is only one reason why you want to be friends with a stray dog and connect with them, it's because you love them. Follow the guidelines mentioned below and see if you can befriend a stray dog.

Dogs are highly social animals and they are believed to have been domesticated, way before donkeys, cows, horses and sheep were. Dogs are the most loved pets because, they behave, play and get trained, in such a way that they can very easily fit into the human household.

Befriending a Stray Dog
I start with saying that, genuinely be friends with them. By that I mean that, dogs have a sixth sense by which they understand what you feel for them. You show them love and they will love you back.

Read the Dog's Body Language This is one of the most important things to do, when you are trying to be friends with a dog. His ears, tail, mouth and his eyes can tell you everything that a dog is thinking of at that time. You need to look for the following signs before approaching a dog.
	A Calm and Relaxed Dog A dog that is relaxed and friendly, his ears will be perked up or bent downwards, his eyes will be wide open, body will be in a normal posture, tail would be wagging and will be short-barking. You can look at a dog and understand, what mood is the dog in. Don't immediately approach a stressed, aggressive and scared dog. But, a relaxed and a playful dog can be friends with you immediately.
An Aggressive and Stressed Dog Usually, when a dog is under stress, his ears are down and pointing backwards or even pointing upright, his mouth would be wide open, rapid respiration, hunching forward and barking. Don't stroke them or try communicating with them when they are vulnerable. Also, never stare in his eyes at this time. A dog that has cornered himself, with head lowered and looks alert; he can also act aggressively. This is because his position indicates that he is scared and vulnerable at the moment and can attack you in his defense. Let such dogs alone for sometime, they are in no mood to be friends with you right now.
	Give Him Food The best way to show a dog that you care is by giving him food. You can feed him with the following things. Lunch Meat Bone Meals Grain by-products Dog Biscuits Give him a bone and the dog will never forget you, he will know in an instance that you love him. If he is aggressive or inhibited, give him food for two-three days without getting too close to him. Slowly, when he will start to recognize you, you can start communicating and playing with him.
Give Him Something to Play Dogs are great companions for playing fun games. Play with him using a tennis ball, string or a Frisbee. Dogs love it! Dogs are playful by their very nature. Playing with a dog will help you both connect faster. Throw the ball or the Frisbee and indicate him to get it. It is best to get two toys, so that if he does not get the first one then, throw the second one to let him know you are playing with him.
	Pat and Caress Him Dogs long for a human touch and affection. They totally understand your touch. Pat them, it makes them feel secured, loved and pampered. They ask for just a few moments with you; give it to them; they'll be happy throughout and will be your friend forever. Learn about dogs 'favorite petting bits'. Two things that dogs normally love are being massaged on their foreheads and behind their ears. Different dogs can have different sensitive points. You'll learn about them eventually. Right now just stick to massaging on their foreheads and behind their ears.

Dogs respond humanly. They understand and grasp words you tell them. Give him a name and call him with that name every time you give him food or you see him. Slowly they will understand your gestures and commands and will respond spontaneously. There are different ways in which dogs show their affection.

One should also avoid touching dogs that appear to have skin infections or diseases as they can lead to irritations like itch and rashes on you. However if you are dog lover you can get the dog treated by a vet and give him healthy food with oral medicines mixed in it.

"In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog." - Edward Hoagland