Top Ten Rules for Kids and Dogs

from Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada

1. Do not approach a dog too fast.
   • Running towards a dog could make them nervous! A nervous dog is a scared dog, and we don’t want our doggy friends to be scared.
2. Do not pet a dog without permission; always ask the owner first.
   • Sometimes a dog cannot be pet for a lot of different reasons—they might have a medical issue or may not like strangers.
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3. Do not stare at a dog.
   • Making eye contact with a dog can make the dog nervous and unsure of what your intentions are. Speaking softly and gently to the dog without staring works best.
4. Do not try to take away something a dog is chewing on.
   • Dogs often chew things–some things they can have, and some things they cannot. If a dog is chewing something, do not try and take it away. Instead, get an adult to help. A dog chewing something could become protective over the object they are chewing and growl or even nip to make you go away.
5. If a dog is eating, leave them alone.
   • Meal time is always something everyone loves. Letting the dog eat in peace ensures the dog doesn’t have to hurry or become anxious while eating.
6. A dog’s kennel is their safe space.
   • When a dog enters their kennel, they want peace and quiet, often for a nap. Leaving them to snooze uninterrupted allows the dog to rest without any worries.
7. Always be gentle.
   • Speaking kindly and gently goes along way with dogs (and people). Sometimes a gentle word is all that is needed for a dog to come right up to you for some happy pets.
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8. Don’t run away from a dog.
   • Running away from a dog can trigger the dog’s “prey drive.” Prey drive is the instinct to chase the thing that’s running. This usually ends badly, even when you’re playing.
9. A wagging tail does not mean a friendly dog.
   • It is common belief that a wagging tail means a happy,social dog. This is not always true. In fact, in most cases a wagging tail means a dog who is alert for danger or thinks danger is already in sight.
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10. Allow the sniff.
    • Dogs like to sniff! After you’ve asked permission to pet the dog, and the owner says yes, allow the dog to sniff the back of your hand before reaching to pet the dog. Sniffing is how the dog gets to know you!