Dog safety

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Have you visited Pet Town?

Did you know the NSW Government has developed an interactive educational tool to help children in grades K-2 learn about dog safety and responsible pet ownership?

Head over to the Pet Town website to work through the activities online, or download the app.

Dog behaviour and body language

Many dogs are friendly but, at times, some may feel angry, frightened or excited. It is important we understand a dog's needs and feelings so that we (and our pets!) can stay safe and happy.

When approached by a strange dog, it is important to look carefully at the dog's behaviour and body language.

Friendly dogs appear relaxed and calm.

Frightened dogs appear unfriendly and may bite.

They have their tail lowered and sometimes between their legs. They may stand crouched down or cowering and may have their head lowered and turned away and not look at you.

frightened dog illustration

Angry dogs are unfriendly and may bite.

An angry dog will stand up straight, have its ears up, straighten its tail and may lift its lip or bark.

angry dog illustration

Children and dogs

DOGGY DOs

Practise identifying a dog's body language
Wait to see if the dog comes to you and wants to be patted
Curl your fingers and slowly hold your hand out for the dog to sniff
Ask the adult with you if it's OK to pat the dog
Ask the dog owner if it's OK for you to pat the dog
Ask the dog also!
Practise safe interaction with friendly dogs
Practise how to manage an angry or frightened dog
Learn how to approach a friendly dog
Stand quietly next to the dog (not in front as this may scare him or her)
Pat the dog under the chin or on the front of the chest

DOGGY DON'Ts

Approaching an unknown dog or one acting strangely
Jumping around or screaming
Teasing or playing rough
Staring at the dog
Patting the top of the dog's head
Disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping
Running towards or around an unknown dog
Trying to pat a dog who is backing away or running away from you
Cuddling a dog around its face

Remember: just because your own pet dog may be friendly and tolerant does not mean all dogs will be!

Children should never be left alone with any dog, even the family pet dog. Be aware that a dog's tolerance level – even the family pet dog – may change when it gets older, is in pain or stressed, or when it has been overexposed to children and just wants to be left alone.

What to do if approached by a strange dog

Don't run – stand completely still
Don't pat the dog
Don't talk to the dog or try to calm it down
Tuck your hands under your arms
Do not look into the dog's eyes
Stay calm – don't scream
Slowly back away
If a dog jumps on you or knocks you over, don't scream – remain quiet, curl up into a ball, put your head down and tuck your arms and hands under your chest until the dog goes away. Screaming, moving around or pushing the dog away may make the dog angry or increase its excitement or anxiety.