How to Approach Dogs
Children and Dogs
We've all seen it--children and dogs can be the best of friends. Sadly, 3.5 million children are still bitten by dogs each year with most victims being under the age of 9, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children 7 years old and younger are 66 percent more likely to experience severe injuries to the face, head, and neck because of their shorter height and proximity to dogs' heads.
A major factor adding to this problem is that a majority of dog-bite prevention programs are geared toward children ages 8 and up. Thus, the age group most affected by dog bites each year is ignored. The American Humane Association KIDS: Kids Interacting with Dogs Safely program educates children between the ages of 4 and 7, the age group that is least served in bite-prevention education.
A major factor adding to this problem is that a majority of dog-bite prevention programs are geared toward children ages 8 and up. Thus, the age group most affected by dog bites each year is ignored. The American Humane Association KIDS: Kids Interacting with Dogs Safely program educates children between the ages of 4 and 7, the age group that is least served in bite-prevention education.
What can parents do?
- Educate your children on how to appropriately act around, approach, and play with dogs and when to leave them. Studies have shown that the number one bite-prevention method is education.
- Supervise your children. Unsupervised children may wander near dangerous situations, especially when uneducated about dog behavior and what is safe for them.
Advice on How to Approach Dogs by Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS
Many sites give advice on how to approach dogs. However, these methods are more effective if people understand the reasoning behind it. Dr. Sophia Yin, a Veterinarian and Animal Behaviorist from UC Davis, has provided her audience with useful diagrams on how to approach dogs. She advises others to think of themselves in the position of the dog they are approaching. This allows people to relate to the dogs and make a connection that is easily understood. Rather than assuming the dog is comfortable, it is respectful to the dog to approach it in the correct manner.
All photos were created by Dr. Sophia Yin.
All photos were created by Dr. Sophia Yin.
Inappropriate approach: You would probably feel threatened if a stranger walked up to your car to reach in through the window. Like humans, dogs may feel scared and violated as you reach into their safe space. Some dogs may feel territorial over this space, causing an aggressive reaction.
Appropriate approach: It is best to stand a safe distance away and avoid prolonged direct eye contact so that you are not mistaken for a burglar or threat.
Appropriate approach: It is best to stand a safe distance away and avoid prolonged direct eye contact so that you are not mistaken for a burglar or threat.
Inappropriate approach: Wouldn't you feel scared if a stranger or acquaintance ran right up to you? This frequently happens when people see a cute dog and want to pet him. Just as you may feel uncomfortable, your dog may feel that way too.
Appropriate approach: Approach the dog slowly at a leisurely pace while watching the dog's body language for fearful or aggressive signs (see "Dog Body Language" page).
Appropriate approach: Approach the dog slowly at a leisurely pace while watching the dog's body language for fearful or aggressive signs (see "Dog Body Language" page).
Inappropriate approach: Kids usually rush up to a dog to pet it, but even adults can encroach threateningly. Suddenly reaching out to a kid and entering his or her personal space can lead to problems with his or her parents. Similarly, encroaching on a dog's space without asking the owner can lead to problems. Dogs can feel extremely uncomfortable, especially when tied or on a leash (see "Benefits of a Perfect Interaction" page).
Appropriate approach: Always ask owners if it is OK to greet their pets. It is up to the owner to know their pet well enough to make the decision. As always, make sure you watch the dog's body language.
Appropriate approach: Always ask owners if it is OK to greet their pets. It is up to the owner to know their pet well enough to make the decision. As always, make sure you watch the dog's body language.
Inappropriate approach: Staring and prolonged direct eye contact can be scary and creepy. Dogs can perceive this as a threat or a challenge.
Appropriate approach: Avoid approaching a dog head-on and staring. Rather, approach sideways or offset and use your peripheral vision.
Appropriate approach: Avoid approaching a dog head-on and staring. Rather, approach sideways or offset and use your peripheral vision.
Inappropriate greetings: Theme parks are full of live, super-sized cartoon characters. A young child may be happy to see them, but that feeling can change once Mickey Mouse or Winnie the Pooh gets closer; looming over children can make them feel scared. The same things can happen to dogs. They may seem happy as your approach, but looming over them can make them uncomfortable.
Appropriate greetings: Stand facing slightly sideways and respect their personal space or bubble. Note that the size of the bubble varies from dog to dog. Let the dogs approach you at their own pace. If they don't feel like making interaction, then admire them from a distance. You can squat lower to approach smaller dogs, but make sure your face isn't in theirs.
Appropriate greetings: Stand facing slightly sideways and respect their personal space or bubble. Note that the size of the bubble varies from dog to dog. Let the dogs approach you at their own pace. If they don't feel like making interaction, then admire them from a distance. You can squat lower to approach smaller dogs, but make sure your face isn't in theirs.
Inappropriate greetings: How would you feel if someone stuck their hand in your face? Contrary to the popular belief that the greeting ritual begins by reaching out and having the dog sniff your hand, sticking your hand in their face is actually pretty rude. You are disregarding their personal space and are forcing them to meet you.
Appropriate greetings: Let the dog approach you at his own pace and avoid putting pressure on him.
Appropriate greetings: Let the dog approach you at his own pace and avoid putting pressure on him.
Inappropriate greetings: Some children have phobias of clowns or certain types of people. Dogs can feel the same way and can even feel threatened by people who are carrying certain objects, such as a bat, or wearing certain clothes, such as hoods or baggy sweaters. Even if you have followed all of the appropriate greetings, some dogs may still feel uncomfortable.
Appropriate greetings: If you see signs of tension, fear, or discomfort even when the dog comes up to sniff you, avoid petting him. If the dog looks relaxed, comes up to you, and rubs against you to get your attention, it is OK to pet the dog.
Appropriate greetings: If you see signs of tension, fear, or discomfort even when the dog comes up to sniff you, avoid petting him. If the dog looks relaxed, comes up to you, and rubs against you to get your attention, it is OK to pet the dog.
Inappropriate interactions: Do you have a family member that pinched your cheeks or hugged you too tightly when you were younger? Some interactions are just inappropriate or uncomfortable. Similarly, most dogs dislike being hugged or held even by family members. Imagine if a stranger or acquaintance hugged a dog who disliked this type of interaction.
Appropriate interactions: When interacting with a dog, especially an unfamiliar one, avoid hugging or interacting in an over-friendly way. Pet the dog in a gentle and relaxed member. Leave the intense hugging to the owners, who know how much interaction their dog can tolerate.
Appropriate interactions: When interacting with a dog, especially an unfamiliar one, avoid hugging or interacting in an over-friendly way. Pet the dog in a gentle and relaxed member. Leave the intense hugging to the owners, who know how much interaction their dog can tolerate.