Understanding a dogs body language - how adults & children should be around dogs
The reasons dogs bite
They are protecting themselves or their property
They may be in pain
They may feel trapped
They may have been surprised by your actions
They may be fearful & worried
They may be very excited
Learning about canine body language is really important, teaching your children when your dog is saying ‘ I need space, please go away’. Its the way they communicate.
These are all signs that your dog wants / needs some space:
Afraid: I am crouching and may crawl away. My ears are flat back to my head and I am growling.
Tense: I am bold and stand my ground. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up and my body is tense.
Vulnerable: When I feel vulnerable I will move away from you then roll over. Lots of people get this sign mixed up and want to chase after me and try to tickle my belly. Remember, if I move away, I don’t want you to be close!
Unsure: I move slowly and lower my head. I raise a paw and lick my lips to show I am uncertain.
Unsure: My head is down with my tail between legs. I might yawn to show you I am still not sure about you.
Unsure: I am moving away from you with my head lowered, tail tucked between my legs and possibly glancing sideways showing the white of my eyes.
These are signs that your dog is happy and would like to interact:
Relaxed: My body is relaxed, my ears are forward and my tail and body are wagging.
Playful: I want to play! I’m in a play bow position; front legs straight forward, bottom raised and tail wagging.
Happy: My face is interested and alert; I have a relaxed jaw and a hanging tongue.
Some of the things that a child might want to do with a dog may be seen as a threat even if the child is trying to be friendly.
Teach your child why this may not be the right thing to do, the dog wants to be left alone:
The child wants to cuddle the cute dog with the big wide eyes
The child wants to take the dog’s toy away from it so they can play a game
The child wants to get into the bed with the dog
The child goes to comfort the dog that is hiding under the table
Things to do when we are out and about:
Always ask before approaching any dog. Ask the owner where on the body to stroke the dog.
Never touch a dog that is left alone outside a shop or similar situation
Don’t enter a garden if a dog is loose, even if you know it
Never run or shout around a dog. Always walk past calmly.
Do not hug a dog. How would you feel if a stranger hugged you?
Always be calm, quiet and move slowly around pets
If you meet a dog out & about & want to say Hi :
Ask the owner if it is OK to stroke the dog
Let the dog sniff your hand, don’t move your hand towards the dog
If the dog seems happy with this, stroke the dog on the shoulder or chest
If a strange dog runs up to you or if the dog you are visiting is very excited to see you:
Stand still
Make no noise
Fold your arms
Look away from the dog
Move away slowly. Never run.
This will make you very boring to the dog and help him to calm down
If the worst thing happens and you are knocked to the ground:
Roll up into a ball with your face to the ground
Make no sound
Cover your face with your hands
