Firstly, I would like to assure you that I will try my best to not cause any trouble and that I hope that we can all get along and do what we need to do! I would also appreciate any important information about your pet so that I may perform my duty to the best of my ability. ...ONTO THE STORY... In my 18 years of life, I recall having many dogs. The one that has the most impact was Honey since she had been the last baby from her mother that we still had up until Most were small due to my mother's preference, but occasionally we met and cared for bigger dogs. They say that dogs can tell if someone is a good or bad person just by smelling them. With experience on that matter and the hopes of not getting bit or scaring the poor thing, I think it's more about making a fair exchange. As long as they feel safe, they learn to trust you and gauge whether or not you are someone they are able to like long-term. Knowing me, I usually immediately start greeting the animal even if I've never seen them before. Some are more on the aggressive 'protect-my-owner' side. Others are overly friendly and greet you immediately. Regardless, I still feel the need to greet them and I guage whether or not its a good idea to approach them. Same goes for the cats in the neighborhood behind me. They are surprisingly friendly and love when we visit to give them a few minutes of attention before we have to be on our way.