Dealing with Dogs
Everyone can have good experiences with dogs providing we all know how to behave around them.
Whether we choose to own a dog or not, it is important to ensure that you and your family understand dog behaviour, since we all come into contact with dogs, either on the street, at the park or at a friend's home.
Knowing what makes dogs tick and being informed about how to recognise warning signs of aggressive behaviour will help minimise any potential threat to you and your children. A wagging tail does not always mean the dog is friendly. | |
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Following are some hints on approaching dogs, that are applicable to people of all ages.
Children who are taught these tips will be well equipped to handle themselves in any situation involving dogs and minimise the risk of injury to themselves throughout their lives.
Approaching Dogs
- Never run toward a dog you don't know
- In general, avoid patting dogs you don't know
- Always get permission from the owner to pat his or her dog
- Approach the dog on an angle, not from the front or rear
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- Slowly extend the back of the hand (not an open palm) curl the fingers and allow the dog to sniff it
- Stroke the dog gently on the side of the chest or under the chin (not top of the head or shoulders)
- Don't continue patting the dog if it backs away or doesn't sniff the hand
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When Approached by a Strange Dog
- Never pat the dog
- Don't run away, but stand completely still
- Don't kick at the dog, squeal or jump
- Avoid eye contact with the dog
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- Keep your hands firmly by your sides and don't wave them around
- Slowly back away
- When the dog wanders off, quietly walk away
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Reading a Dog's Behaviour
Dogs may bite when they are frightened or when they have been provoked to act aggressively. Leave dogs alone if they show any of the following symptoms.
A frightened dog:
- has its ears back
- has its tail curled under its legs
- tries to minimize its size by hunching or lying down
An aggressive dog:
- shows its teeth and/or snarls
- has its ears laid back but not totally lowered
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- has its tail raised
- tries to make itself look bigger by raising its hackles and standing on the tips of its paws
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Some Golden Rules When Dealing with Dogs
- Let dogs eat their food or chew on bones without interruption
- Avoid cornering a dog - this can provoke a "fight or flight" response
- Provide the dog with a bed that is separated from noisy high activity areas
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- Do not wake a dog suddenly - this may give them a fright and prompt an aggressive response
- Don't cuddle dogs face to face - it may represent a threat
- Don't interfere with a mother's new litter of puppies, especially in the first couple of weeks and when her pups are feeding
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Dangerous Dogs
Dangerous dogs have attacked a person or animal without provocation and caused serious injury, or are guard dogs, or dogs trained to attack people and animals. See Dangerous Dogs for further details.
They are identifiable by a prescribed striped reflective red and yellow collar, which they are required, by law, to wear.
If you are approached by a dangerous dog, heed the same advice provided above under the heading "When approached by a strange dog".
Next time you come into contact with a dog, think about what your correct approach should be and attempt to interpret its body language. Make sure you educate your children and continue to reinforce the messages about properly relating to dogs. |
