■ Justin keeps Buster safely behind him as Erin approaches with a curious Chiquita. Justin is standing at an ideal angle. He can keep an eye on Buster while meeting the approaching dog.

■ Justin uses the hand signal to have Buster sit. Erin has also asked Chiquita to sit. They are at a very comfortable distance to begin a great introduction.

■ Justin makes sure that Buster is giving him his attention. Once confident that Buster is in a good place, he gives him the hand signal for “stay.”

■ A Zen-like Buster exhibits masterful patience as Justin says hello to Chiquita. Note Justin’s introductory gesture is to put his hand under the chin of Chiquita. Erin dutifully watches on.

■ Both dogs were so good about their intros that they’re invited to say hello to each other. Note Justin’s good monitoring position and the slack on the leash (sorry, Erin).

■ This is an example of what not to do. With the dogs in the lead the humans can’t instruct and reactive behavior is a possibility. Why chance it?