A N I M A L S A F E T Y T I P S

Reading a Dog’s Body Language

April Smith Nicole Sarra

Ashley Murtha Period 3 Childcare 2013

Relaxed & Approachable

Stressed &

Distressed

Playfulness

Fearful &

Aggressive

Dominant Aggressive

Extreme

Fear & Total

Submission

Protocol for Positive Encounters with Dogs

Teaching Children How to Approach a Dog

Teaching your children basic rules about dog safety will go a long way toward helping them develop a happy and safe relationship with dogs in their future.

� Rule 1: It is important to teach

children to never approach any

stranger dog without an adult

around

� Rule 2: Never approach a dog

that’s not on a leash and/or

unattended

� Rule 3: Once given the okay, from

the owner, approach a dog calmly.

Let them come to you. If the dog

decides to run away, respect their

Step 1:

• Ask permission from the owner before approaching the dog.

Step 2:

• Let the dog come to you. Let the dog sniff the back of your hand with your fingers curled under.

Step 3:

• Be mindful of the dog’s reaction and respect what the dog tells you. DON’T pet if the dog folds its ears back, tucks its tail in, growls, or moves away from you. If the dog wags their tail or licks you, then they are comfortable enough for you to pet them.

Step 4:

• GENTLE! When you pet the dog, remember to respect its boundaries

Additional Tips for Felines

Additional Tips for Rodents

Tip #1- Approach the cat in a nonchalant manner.

Tip #2- Avoid eye contact.

Tip #3- In a calm voice, say something like “here kitty kitty”.

Tip #4- If the cat comes let it small the palm of your hand.

Tip #5- Slowly reach up and pet cat’s shoulder/neck/back.

Tip #1- A large rodent can be handled the same way as felines.

Tip #2- Wearing protective hand gear may be helpful.

Tip #3- Mice can be picked up by their tails, grab as close as where it attaches to the body and quickly place palm of other hand under the mouse’s body for support.

Tip #4- Never grab around the body, it could be injured this way.