Never run or shout around a dog – always walk past calmly
Always ask before approaching any dog, ask the owner if it is alright to stroke the dog
Put your hand in a fist and let the dog sniff your hand, don’t move your hand towards the 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
Do not hug a dog
If an unknown dog runs to you or a dog you are visiting is very excited:
Stand still – Never run
Make no noise
Drop food or toys you are carrying away from you
Fold your arms
Look and move away from the dog slowly
Don’t make eye contact
Children around dogs:
Children need to be supervised when they are around dogs continuously
Dogs and animals in general should be allowed to come to you not the other way around
Children 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
• is trying to move away
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 their teeth