Watch the whole situation
Observe what happens before, during and after a dog reacts. A quiet dog in its familiar garden may behave differently beside a busy road. Note distance, noise, people and recovery time. A useful description is “settled after we moved away,” rather than simply “stubborn” or “dominant.”
Give the dog room to choose
Visitors do not need to touch or crowd a dog to make a successful introduction. A comfortable resting area and a planned greeting routine let you control the situation. If the dog seems worried, create distance and end the interaction instead of demanding a performance.
Ask better questions before adoption
Ask how the dog behaves when alone, during handling, around unfamiliar dogs and when someone approaches food. Request concrete examples and discuss any bite or guarding history openly. A qualified professional can help you evaluate concerns that a brief meeting cannot settle.
GO A LITTLE FURTHER