Understanding dog body language & staying safe

There are over seven million dogs in the UK and many of them are bought for companionship and as family pets. It is important that children understand how to behave around the dogs in their homes and in their community so they can enjoy their company and remain safe.

There are many benefits of having a dog in the family:

Children with pets have better self esteem,empathy and social skills
They provide loyalty
There is a reduction of incidence of allergies and asthma when the baby has a cat or dog in the home in their first year of life. The children should also have a better immune system.
Petting a dog or cat can reduce anxiety and owning a pet can aid relaxation. Dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They also suffer from fewer medical problems generally.
Walking your dog and caring for them is good exercise
Children can learn about responsibility, compassion and respect for another living thing

However, we often hear in the media of children getting bitten by dogs. We have put together this booklet to help you to understand more about dog behaviour and how to teach your children to stay safe around dogs.

The reasons dogs bite

They are protecting themselves or their property
They may be in pain
They may feel trapped
They may have been surprised by your actions
They may be very excited

Of the people who get bitten

70 per cent of dog bites happen in the home
80 per cent are bitten by dogs that they regularly meet. With children, this is probably because they are overfamiliar with the dog and don’t stick to the house rules on how to behave around dogs.
Remember that even the mildest dog may bite in a given situation so it is important for the children to ‘think dog’

Take our 'Be safe with dogs' quiz

Dog body language - read the signs

The following descriptions of dog actions will help you to understand what the dog is trying to tell you:

Go away

Drawing of a dog crouching down and afraid — Afraid: I am crouching and may crawl away. My ears are flat back to his head and I am growling.

Drawing of a dog rolling over onto his back because he is feeling vulnerable — Vulnerable: When I feel vulnerable I will move away from you then roll over. Lots of people get this sign mixed up and want to chase after me and try to tickle my belly. Remember, if I move away, I don’t want you to be close!

I’m not sure about you yet (please keep away)

Drawing of a dog lifting her paw and licking her lips to show she is unsure — Unsure: I move slowly and lower my head. I raise a paw and lick my lips to show I am uncertain.

Drawing of a dog with her tail tucked under her body and head lowered — Unsure: My head is down with my tail between legs. I might yawn to show you I am still not sure about you.

Drawing of a dog with her head bowed looking sideways at you to say she is unsure — Unsure: I am moving away from you with my head lowered, tail tucked between my legs and possibly glancing sideways showing the white of my eyes.

Happy to meet you

Drawing of a dog with a relaxed body and tongue showing he is happy — Relaxed: My body is relaxed, my ears are forward and my tail and body are wagging.

Drawing of a dog in a play bow pose looking happy and ready to play — Playful: I want to play! This is my play bow; front legs straight forward, bottom raised and tail wagging.

Drawing of a dog wagging her tail in excitement, happy to see you — Happy: My face is interested and alert; I have a relaxed jaw and a hanging tongue.

Seeing the world from the dog’s viewpoint

Some of the things that a child might want to do with a dog may be seen as a threat even if the child is trying to be friendly.

Consider the following situations:

The child wants to cuddle the cute dog with the big wide eyes
The child wants to take the dog’s toy away from it so they can play a game
The child wants to get into the bed with the dog
The child goes to comfort the dog that is hiding under the table

Rules when we are out and about:

Always ask before approaching any dog. Ask the owner where on the body to stroke the dog.
Never touch a dog that is left alone outside a shop or similar situation
Don’t enter a garden if a dog is loose, even if you know it
Never run or shout around a dog. Always walk past calmly.
Do not hug a dog. How would you feel if a stranger hugged you?

So how should we behave around dogs?

Always be calm, quiet and move slowly around pets.

When meeting a dog:

Ask the owner if it is OK to stroke the dog
Let the dog sniff your hand, don’t move your hand towards the dog
If the dog seems happy with this, stroke the dog on the shoulder or chest

If a strange dog runs up to you or if the dog you are visiting is very excited to see you:

Stand still
Make no noise
If you are carrying food or toys, drop them away from you
Fold your arms
Look away from the dog
Move away slowly. Never run.
This will make you very boring to the dog and help him to calm down

If you are knocked to the ground:

Roll up into a ball with your face to the ground
Make no sound
Cover your face with your hands

Establish house rules:

The aim of these rules is to keep the children safe. It is important that all members of the household and all visitors stick to these rules. Children need to be supervised when they are around dogs.

To stay safe they should not approach when the dog:

is eating
has a toy
has puppies
is sleeping
is in bed or under a chair or table
is sick or injured
trying to move away

Have clear rules about where dogs are allowed:

Every member of the household should train, groom and feed your dog
Do not allow chase games or wrestling games between children and your dog. Your dog may become too excited and hurt someone.
Never sneak up and surprise a dog
Do not allow anyone to tease a dog
Never hit or hurt a dog
Never allow the dog to mouth your skin or clothes. Your dog must never think that it is OK to touch your skin or clothes with his teeth.