Do you like running your hands through your dog’s silky, thick fur? It is fun to pet a dog. But there is a time for petting and a time not to pet. Dogs do love a nice rub on the back, but not all the time.
My Bite May Be Worst Than My Growl
Dogs don’t like to be touched while they are eating or sleeping. Do you want someone touching you when you are eating or napping? If you touch your dog while he’s eating, he may become stiff. His body may not move. Or he might stop eating or growl at you. By doing that, he’s trying to tell you to “leave me alone!” Wait until your dog is done eating or sleeping, and then touch him.
Touching your dog while he’s eating isn’t the only reason he’ll bite you. You may anger a dog by pulling its tail, ears, or legs. A dog may growl or bite you if you do.
New Dog In Town
Have your parents brought home a new dog? What did you do? Did you let the dog sniff you first?
When you first meet a dog, you should stand still and let him sniff you. After he is done, you can pet him. By sniffing you, dogs are getting to know you. Your scent can tell a dog who you are and how you’re feeling.
Dogs are always using their noses. You might find your dog chewing your favorite toys. He might do that because the toys smell like you. If your dog has your toy in his jaws, wait for him to drop it. If you try to take the toy, your dog may bite you.
Check Me Out
You know that dogs know things about you by sniffing you.
You do not need to sniff a dog to know how it feels. You can tell how a dog is feeling from his body. When a dog’s tail is wagging, he’s happy. You can always touch a happy dog. If his tail is between his legs, he’s scared. If a dog is shaking, that means he’s scared, too.
Stay away from dogs that are scared. Since the dog is scared, he could bite you.
Dogs are man’s best friend, but sometimes they can be dangerous. Dogs can’t talk, but they can growl and bark. Listen to the dog. Look at his body and tail. They’re all clues to if you are rubbing your dog the wrong way.
WHAT IF A DOG IS GROWLING OR BARKING AT YOU?
If you happen to come across a dog that won’t stop growling or barking at you, do not . . .
· Make sudden movements like running or putting your hands in the air
· Shout or scream
· Run away
The best thing to do is to turn your back to the dog and cross your arms. The dog might ignore you and go away. If you are ever bitten by a dog, get down on the ground. Curl into a ball and place your arms around your head. Don’t move until the dog leaves. By doing this, you are telling the dog that you are not trying to harm it.