Today I read a great article on how to prepare both children and dogs for safe and proper greetings. I HIGHLY recommend that everyone read this since most of us will someday be parents (or already are) of children and/or dogs. Make sure to read the full article, but here are some basics:
- Prevent children from approaching a dog. Instead, let the dog (if he/she is not exhibiting signs of aggression) approach the child.
- Children should either stand still or present a fist with the palm of the hand upward to the dog to smell. If the dog approaches them and shows signs of relaxation, then the child may gently and slowly pet the dog under the chin or on the chest.
- Everyone should avoid petting a dog on the top of the head since it is a blindspot and can be read by the dog as an act of dominance or aggression.
- Do not use the tail to read a dog’s mood or stress level. The dog’s face has much better indicators.
Click here to read the full article, courtesty of the Indianapolis Star.
