Do's and don'ts... Be safe around dogs

• Don't try to get up or make sudden noises
• Let go of anything in your hand
• Cover your face with your hands
• Keep your elbows in
• Roll onto your front
• Keep your legs together
• Pull your knees up to your chest
• Tuck yourself up to be as tight as possible (protecting your body)
• Keep still
• Don't move until the dog has gone away
• After the dog has gone - tell an adult!

Don't

• Touch a dog without asking the owner first
• Touch a loose dog
• Make sudden movements when close to a dog
• Tease a dog
• Pull it's ears, tail or fur - dogs may not find it funny!
• Touch a dog when it is sleeping
• Eat when close to a dog
• Leave a young child alone with a dog
• Stare at a dog
• Touch a dog that is with it's puppies
• Run from a dog, screaming and waving your arms around
• Ignore a dog's warning growl
• Kiss or put your face near a dog - even your own
• Let a dog lick your face
• Go near dogs that are busy, bored, ill or tied up
• Play with a dog unless an adult is nearby
• Cuddle your dog too much - remember dogs can feel smothered too
• Go near a dog when it is on it's own territory.  If your ball accidentally goes over someone's fence, always ask an adult for help.  Do not attempt to get the ball back yourself.
• Remember that dogs defend their own territory.

What to do if a dog jumps up and frightens you

• Stand still
• Drop everything you are holding
• Fold your arms across your chest
• Tuck your chin in
• Don't move
• Don't scream
• Don't run away
• Don't move your arms
• Don't stare
• Act bored

You are now a tree!

When the dog moves away, walk backwards very slowly, keeping your eye on the dog.  If it comes back, become a tree again.

Related Documents

Guide to dangerous dogs