The Dog and Child Connection-Dog Safety:
What to Teach Your Kids
Body Language:
The best and easiest way to teach your kids about dog safety is to have them look at a
dog’s body language. Because dogs can’t speak, we rely on their visual clues to let us
know how they are feeling. Most kids do not know that dogs do not like hug and kisses.
This is the major cause of facial bites. Teaching kids to scratch the neck and chest instead
and to watch a dog’s body language can help to avoid an unwanted situation.
The following are stress signals that indicate the dog is tolerating-but not taking pleasure
in- the situation: lip licking, turning away, mouth closed, half-moon eyes, yawning,
and shaking off.
In this guide we will help you recognize the different signals a dog may exhibit during
times of stress, and in doing so help you to become a better dog owner.
The Mouth:
The mouth is the most important body part to watch for signs of stress, because it is the
easiest to see. Dogs pant for a number of reasons: heat, thirst, fatigue, anticipation (“Will
I get a cookie?”), and anxiety. Dogs pant to reduce stress. If a dog is not panting, and they
are in a stressful situation, it means they are not dealing with their stress. Remember: a
closed mouth means stay away. Here is an example of how signals change when a dog
feels more stressed as a situation continues.
Emily is playing near her dog Max. Max is happy, wagging his tail, and panting.
Emily tries to play with Max by running circles around him. Max becomes anxious
and licks his chops.
Emily gets tired and leans against Max. Max is aroused and closes his mouth.
Emily hugs Max around his neck. Max becomes more stressed and flicks his tongue
as if to say, “Please stop.”
The Eyes:
Another part of the body to watch is the eyes. If a dog is showing half-moon eyes it
means they are feeling anxious. Half-moon eyes mean the whites of a dog’s eye
resembles a crescent moon. These are just a couple of instances in which Max, our
example dog, reveals half-moon eyes:
Emily is playing nearby while Max plays with his toy. Max is anxious.
Emily walks up to Max to play with his toy. Max does not want to share his toy.
In these situations it is best not to approach the dog. Try to avoid the interactions that
cause this response. If you see the start of, or potential for a stressful situation try to
intervene.
The Tail:
The tail is the most misunderstood part of the body. A wagging tail does not always mean
a happy/friendly dog. It is best to rely on more body parts, than just the tail, as an
indicator of a dog’s stress level. Let’s look at the difference between a “Happy tail,” and
a “Danger tail.”
Happy Tail
Propeller Wag
Whole Body Wag
Gentle, Loose Wag
Danger Tail
High and Stiff (Wagging or Not)
Between Legs (Wagging or Not)
Slow Stiff Wag
Displacement Behavior:
Displacement behaviors are normal dog behaviors that are shown out of context. Have
your kids look for these behaviors and point them out. These are some examples:
• Licking with no food
• Yawning when not tired
• Inappropriate grooming
• Sudden stiffness or digging
• Wet dog shake when dry
Be a Tree:
It is important to teach your child what to do if a dog is bothering or threatening them.
“Be a tree” is the one of the easiest ways for kids to remember what to do in a
potentially dangerous situation.
Stop. Stand still. Do not try to run away from the dog, this could lead to a chase.
Fold Branches. Bring your arms to your side, and put your hands in tight fists.
Watch Roots Grow. Put your head down, and tuck your chin against your chest.
A stationary object is no fun for a dog. Usually, they will lose interest within a few
minutes, and walk away. Practice “being a tree,” at home with your kids to make sure
they are prepared.
How to Meet a Dog:
Now that you and your child can recognize stress signals it is important to know how to
greet a dog properly. It is crucial that you only greet a dog that is accompanied by their
owner. Avoid loose or stray dogs. If you know the owner, follow these helpful tips to
assist you in greeting the dog properly.
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Ask the owner if you can pet the dog.
Ask your parent if you can pet the dog.
Ask the dog –Look for cues from the dog.
Invite the dog –Sometimes a dog doesn’t want to be pet.
Pet only happy dogs- Avoid dogs that are exhibiting stress signals.
Scratch the side of the neck
Let the dog close the gap- Let the dog walk over to you, instead of the other way
around.
Interact on the dog’s terms
Watch for signs- Look for signs that the dog is getting “fed up”. If you see signs
of this stop petting the dog.
Give space to leave- Allow enough room for the dog to leave the situation if they
want to.
Respect the dog’s choice- If a dog decides not to interact, respect that choice and
let it go. Do not try to force an interaction.
Dogs have bad days too- This is important to remember. A dog that is happy one
day may not be “in a good mood” the next. Looking for cues is the best way to
tell if a dog would like to interact or not.
*Joan Oar, MSc (Speaker) Dog Safety- What to Teach Your Kids (Webinar) Retrieved January 26th, 2012 from
www.trainyourdogmonth.com