Safely Interact With Dogs

Safely Interact With Dogs

A safe way to approach a dog

• Walk up calmly and quietly
• Stop 3 steps away and ask the owner’s permission
• Let the dog smell the back of your hand
• Step to the side of the dog and stroke from the collar to the tail
• What to do if you are approached by an unknown or angry dog
• Stop and stand still
• Place your hands down by your side
• Stay quiet and look down at the ground
  

Children should not approach dogs if they are;

• Sleeping or in their kennel
• In a car or on the back of a truck
• Behind a fence or gate
• Eating
• Tied up
• Unwell or injured
• With their puppies
• At parties
• Not with their owners

BODY LANGUAGE
Happy relaxed body language

• Tail wagging enthusiastically
• Tongue hanging out in a relaxed manner
• Body relaxed
• Head held high

Leave a dog alone if they show the following signs;

• Frightened or unsure
• Drops tail between legs
• Ears are back flat on head
• Licks its lips
• Rolls over and shows tummy
• Tail wagging close to the ground
• Trying to look smaller by crouching down

Angry or aggressive

• Shows teeth and growls
• Makes self look as big as it can
• Eyes wide open and staring
• Hair on neck and back standing up