Teaching Children about Dog Safety

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Paws for Safety
We have written and designed a short wirebound book that will teach you and your children how to be safe around dogs. There are links to these books below and we can personalize the cover with your own dog, or any dog breed. Just email us at greywolfcreation@yahoo.com

The two T's - Be a Tree, be a Turtle:
If any dog runs right up to you, stand very still. Don't stare at the dog and don't make eye contact. Staring a dog in the eye or at his face is considered a very dominant and/or aggressive act in doggy language. If a dog then decides to attack...you can be a TREE. Keep your arms wrapped around yourself. Pretend you are a tree and stand tall and don't move. The dog may then sniff at you and decide that youa re not interesting. If he turns to leave, wait until he is out of sight and then slowly back away. If the dog jumps at you, you will need to move. Remember, don't run because dogs can outrun you and don't scream because that could scare or excite the dog. This is when you will BE A TURTLE...drop down to your knees and curl up in a ball. Tuck your knees into your chest and touch your chin to your knees. Put your arms around your head and your hands over your neck. Pretend to be a turtle. Start calling for help. By being a turtle, you are making yourself as small as possible. Small things are not as scary to dogs as big things.

How should you pet a dog:

You should never pet a strange dog on the head. Although your own dog might like this from you, he knows you and your smell very well. For dogs that don't know you very, very well, petting him on the head is very scary for the dog.

The best place to pet a dog safely is on his neck or shoulder. Always be gentle and move slowly. Fast movements can get a dog to chase you. If a dog pulls away from you, stop petting him. He might not be in the mood and petting a dog should always be nice for both of you.

When you see a dog on a leash, you must always ask the owner if you can pet their dog. If they say yes, offer your fist to the dog for him to smell. Then, if he doesn't act scared, you can pet the dog under his chin, on his neck, or shoulder. Even when you meet a dog again on the street, ALWAYS ask for permission first. You still need to approach the dog slowly and offer your fist for him to smell. Some days, dogs just don't want to be petted.