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Dos and don'ts

Do…

• Ask for permission before petting someone else’s dog.
• Leave mother animals and their babies alone.
• Always act kindly and gently. Respect animals.
• Remember that cats can bite and scratch as well.
• Leave wild animals alone.
• Pay attention to the animal’s body language and warning signs.
• Be sure a dog sees you before coming close.
• Move away sideways slowly if the dog is not interested.
• Pet the dog on the side of its neck or on its chest.
• Move your hand away slowly when you’ve finished petting an animal.
• Respect older dogs.
• Respect and keep away from injured or ill dogs.
• Drop a treat in front of the dog.
• Look at the dog’s paws while you greet him and not directly into the eyes.
• Respect dog’s resting and feeding places.
• Behave calmly around dogs.
• Play safe games with dogs.
• Stay still like a tree if the dog gets too excited or becomes aggressive.
• Approach dog only if he is awake.

Don’t…

• Try to give the dog a hug or kiss.
• Sit on the dog’s back.
• Put your face right up to a dog’s face.
• Put your hand into a car, crate or anywhere a dog is confined.
• Approach a dog that is tied.
• Enter the property where a dog lives to retrieve a lost ball or other object.
• Pull your hand away or back away from a dog as he tries to sniff.
• Run away crying or screaming from any dog, not matter how scary he seems.
• Back away from a dog that is growling or barking – movement is an action trigger for dogs.
• Interact with any dog unless there is an adult supervising.
• Dress a dog up in play clothes.
• Hit a dog or poke him with a stick.
• Play chase-me games with a dog.
• Pet stray dogs running loose.