Friends & datingBeginner
Asking to pet someone's dog in English (beginner)
Beginner English for asking to pet someone's dog. Key line: “Can I pet your dog?”
Full script
Lin
Can I pet your dog?
Them
Yes, you can. He likes gentle hands.
Lin
Should I let him smell my hand first?
Them
Please. He is the boss here.
Lin
Okay. I have clean hands today.
Them
Great. The boss likes clean hands.
Lin
Hi, buddy. May I pet you now?
Them
Yes—the boss says you may.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Ask first
✓ Can I pet your dog?Ask permission to pet
Ask the owner first: polite and safe
Smell first
✓ Let him smell my hand first?Offer your hand first
Common before getting closer
Be gentle
✓ He likes gentle hands.Use soft, gentle touch
gentle = soft and careful
Yes
✓ You may.Permission given
Short way to give permission
Quick answers
Ask first: what to say in English
Say “Can I pet your dog?” — ask permission to pet. Ask the owner first: polite and safe.
Smell first: what to say in English
Say “Let him smell my hand first?” — offer your hand first. Common before getting closer.
Be gentle: what to say in English
Say “He likes gentle hands.” — use soft, gentle touch. gentle = soft and careful.
Yes: what to say in English
Say “You may.” — permission given. Short way to give permission.