Dog Safety

Be still like a tree 

If you were ever to find yourself in a situation where a dog is bothering you and you want the dog to leave you alone you need to STOP, stand very still and quiet, drop any toys or food you are holding. Do not run, bike or skate away from a dog – they may think it is a game and chase you.

Then ‘Be a Tree’ - fold your branches (arms) in and look down at your roots (feet). Do not look a dog in the eye as this can make them scared or angry. If you stand there like a tree, the dog will likely sniff you and then move away.

Most dogs are curious and may want to play with you. However, dogs can be big and strong and could accidently hurt you. That is why it is best to use the tree pose and wait for the dog to leave or an adult to come and help. Some dogs could be scared or angry, the tree pose will tell the dog you are not going to touch, play or interact with them.

Curl up like a rock

If you want a dog to leave you alone but you have fallen or have been knocked to the ground, you need to STOP, drop any toys or food you are holding.

Then ‘Be a Rock' - curl up into a rock with your arms around your head and neck and keep very quiet and still until the dog moves away or an adult comes to help.

Want to meet a dog? 

Every dog is unique! Some dogs enjoy being patted by new people, while others would rather not. Just like people, dogs also have their own favourite spots for pats. For example, some may like a scratch under the chin, while others prefer gentle strokes on their back. A dog might avoid pats in certain areas if it feels uncomfortable there, sometimes because of an injury or simply because they just don't like.

Think of it like people - some of us love having our feet rubbed, and others really don’t!

To help keep dogs happy and safe, it’s best to avoid patting their head, paws, and tail. Instead, always ask the dog’s guardian if their dog has a favourite place to be patted.

If you see a dog you’d like to say hello to, follow the flowchart below to learn the safe and respectful way to do it.

Remember:

• Always ask the dog’s guardian first.
• Then check with the dog – some dogs enjoy pats, but others might not want to be touched.

• If the answer is “no,” that’s okay! You can still enjoy seeing the dog from a distance.

When you do pat a dog, use gentle, calm strokes that go in the same direction as their fur. This helps dogs feel relaxed and cared for.