Just a quick note: when I was younger my father taught me not to approach a dog who didn't look ready for play (tail wagging, licking, etc.--you know the look), and to offer up a closed fist, knuckles up, for the dog to sniff and lick first. That way, should the dog freak out and bite me, I wouldn't lose a finger. He also told me that dogs felt threatened when stared at.

[This message has been edited by Smilla (edited December 21, 2000).]