Understanding dog body language
Being able to interpret a dog’s body language is very important as it helps us to know whether a dog is safe to approach.
Angry dog = unsafe to approach
- The dog’s teeth are bared
- The lips are curled back
- The ears are stiff
- The tail is held high and stiff, but may be wagging just a little bit
- May be barking or growling
Scared dog = unsafe to approach
- Ears are low or back
- Tail is low and still or between legs
- Head is low
- Body may be shaking or close to the ground
Happy dog = safe to approach, but still ask the owner first
- Ears are forward and relaxed
- Tail is low and wagging
- Mouth is open and relaxed
Understanding why dogs might bite
Dogs don’t bite without a reason. Most bites happen because a dog is:
- injured, unwell or in pain
- frightened, anxious or overwhelmed
- protecting something important to them, such as food, toys, their home or a family member
- feeling trapped or threatened
- being disturbed while resting, eating or caring for puppies.
Even a friendly dog may react if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable. That’s why it’s important to respect a dog’s space and pay attention to what they’re telling us through their body language.
Tips for meeting a dog for the first time
If you’d like to approach a dog:
- Ask the owner’s permission first.
- Let the dog choose whether they want to approach you.
- Stand quietly with your hands by your sides.
- Turn slightly sideways to appear less intimidating.
- Allow the dog to sniff you.
- If the dog seems relaxed and interested, gently pat their chest or shoulder.
- If the dog moves away, respect their choice and give them space.
Not every dog wants to meet new people, and that’s okay.
If a dog approaches you and you feel uncomfortable:
- Stand still.
- Cross your arms over your chest.
- Tuck your chin down.
- Stay quiet.
- Avoid staring at the dog.
- Don’t run away. Running may encourage a dog to chase.
To sum it up: be like a tree. Most dogs will lose interest when there is nothing exciting happening and move on.
Tips for interacting safely with dogs
Avoid:
- Approaching a dog you don’t know without permission.
- Putting your face close to a dog’s face.
- Hugging, grabbing or restraining unfamiliar dogs.
- Disturbing a dog while they’re eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.
- Extended eye contact with dogs you don’t know well.
- Approaching a dog that is tied up or confined.
- Chasing, yelling at or startling a dog.
- Pulling a dog’s tail or ears.
- Running, scooting or riding close to an unfamiliar dog.
Do:
- Ask a parent or guardian and the dog’s owner before patting a dog.
- Approach calmly and quietly.
- Stand sideways rather than facing the dog directly.
- Allow the dog to come to you and have a sniff.
- Pat the dog’s chest or shoulder rather than reaching over their head.
- Respect the dog’s choice if they move away.
- Always supervise children around dogs.
By respecting a dog’s space and listening to what they’re telling us, and encouraging children to do the same, we can help build safer communities for both people and pets.
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