Pets can be unpredictable and as much as we love them we must always respect that they are not humans and if they could speak, these are some of the tips they would say to the family…
- NEVER disturb me when I’m sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies
- NEVER pat another dog, even me, without letting me see and sniff you first
- Children please ASK PERMISSION from our owners and your parents BEFORE patting us
- If the our owners cannot control us and make us SIT nicely for a child to pet, then WALK AWAY, we are probably having a bad day and your safety comes first
- NEVER approach us if we are confined behind a fence, within a car, or on a chain
- NEVER TEASE us poking us through fences or car windows or reaching your arm through to pat us
- NEVER approach a dog you don’t know or a dog who is not with his owner
- If Im chasing you, NEVER RUN away. STOP, STAND STILL, REMAIN CALM, ARMS AT YOUR SIDES, be quiet and DO NOT SCREAM, soothing voice. Walk away SLOWLY FACING US BUT NOT STARING AT our eyes
- If I attack, “feed” ME your jacket, a school book, a bicycle, or anything else that you can get between us. I wont be happy, but it could help prevent injury
- If you are attacked, STOP, CURL UP IN A BALL LIKE AN ECHIDNA, COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR ARMS AND HANDS
- Do not chase after us
- Do not scream and be loud around dogs
- Children should not stare into the eyes of a dog
- If a dog starts to circle you – turn with it, don’t let it get behind you
- If the dog shows aggressive behaviour (I.e. barking or growling) put something between you and the dog – like a chair
- Just because a dog wags its tail does not mean it’s friendly
- If a dog is injured do not touch or try and help it. Go get an adult