For the Little Ones

What to do if you see a loose dog

If you are running, stop.  If you are riding a toy, stop and get off.  Dogs like to chase things.  If you are moving fast, he may try and chase you. Dogs can run very fast - some as fast as cars!  You cannot out run a dog so do not even try.

Walk away slowly and ask an adult you know to call animal control. Animal control can come and get the dog and try to find its owner.

Never go up to a dog that has no owner or that is not on a leash.

If the dog comes up to you, stand still. Give yourself a big hug and play TREE.

Do not stare in the dog's eyes.  But make sure you can see him.

Do not jump or yell - you could excite or anger the dog or even scare him.

Can you stand up and pretend to be a tree just like this one?

If the dog starts to jump on you, you need to move.  Do not run! Remember, dogs can run faster than we can.

Instead, drop to the ground and curl up.

Put your hands behind your neck, get down on your knees and try to touch your chin to your knees. Pretend you are a turtle.

Can you pretend to be a turtle just like this one?

Now you can start to call for help. 

What to do if you see a dog with an owner.

First, ask your parent or adult guardian if you can ask to pat the dog.  NEVER approach a stranger no matter how friendly they look if you are not with a parent or adult guardian to help you.  Never go with someone who asks you to find a lost puppy. Get your parent or adult guardian to help you.

Second, use your best manners and ask "May I please pat your dog?"

If the owner says yes, make sure the dog is calm before you go to pat it.  A good owner may even ask his dog to sit first!

When the dog is sitting, make a fist and let the dog smell you.

Then pat gently on his shoulder or back. Do not reach over his head, this could scare the dog.

This dog is getting ready to sit nicely.

If the dog acts scared or seems too excited and will not calm down, politely say "Thank you, maybe later when your dog is ready," and walk away.

What about the dog you live with?

Dogs have their favorite toys, beds and food dishes. If your dog is chewing a bone, sleeping or eating, leave him alone. Sometimes dogs get possessive, just like you do with your favorite toys - you may not want to share all the time.  Or dogs get cranky when they are woken up fast. Or dog may get worried you are trying to take their food. If you dog has something you need or you have to wake your dog up, get an adult to help you. 

This dog is taking a nap.  SHHHHH! Let him sleep!

He can play when he wakes up.

Leave dogs alone if they are eating, drinking or chewing on a toy.

Not all dogs will share!

How do you play with your dog?

Do you run and scream? Do you play rough games like wrestling or Tug of War? If you run and scream, your dog may get very excited and accidentally hurt you. Rough games may make a dog think it is good to be rough with you. Or he may try and grab the toy and grab your skin instead. OUCH!  That could hurt! 

Play nice games like fetch or set up obstacle courses in your yard.  You and you dog can crawl through tunnels (big boxes make great tunnels).  Or you can set up small jumps.  Or you can play hide and seek! Do not let your dog chase you but an adult can help you teach your dog to run with you!

If your dogs start running around and playing together, stand back, you could get knocked over!

Dogs can play roughly when they are together.  If you see dogs playing roughly, leave them alone.  You can play with the dogs later when they have settled down!

Remember to avoid rough games with your dogs!

Teach your dog to play nice games like catch or hide and seek!

If your dog is hot and tired after playing, let him get a drink and then rest.

He may feel more like playing later.

Hot and tired dogs may get grouchy!

Good Dogs

A good dog will not get upset if you are near his food, water or toys.

He knows how to share. He has been taught well!

Good dogs have good manners.

They know that jumping is not nice play.

If they cannot play nicely, they know you will not play with them.

What makes a good dog?

Going to school and learning manners - just like you have to do!

We have to teach dogs what are good manners and what are not.

If we do not teach our dogs good manners, we are not doing our job as good dog owners!

We have to keep our dogs safe and make sure our dogs are safe for others to be around!

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