Simple and polite:
* "Thank you!"
* "He/She appreciates it!"
* "Thanks, he/she's a good dog."
Adding a bit more:
* "Thank you, he/she's a real sweetheart."
* "He/She loves meeting new people."
* "She's a rescue, and we're so lucky to have her."
If your dog is particularly friendly:
* "He's very friendly, do you want to say hi?" (if the person seems open to it)
* "He loves making new friends."
If you want to share something about your dog:
* "He's a [breed name], they're known for being [positive trait]."
* "She's a great listener, always happy to go for walks."
Avoid oversharing:
While you can share a bit about your dog, avoid getting into lengthy conversations or personal details, especially if the person is a stranger.
Be aware of your dog's body language:
If your dog seems anxious or uncomfortable, politely decline the interaction. You can say something like, "He's a little shy today, but thanks!"
Ultimately, the best response is genuine and reflects your dog's personality and your own comfort level.