Tail Talk
A wagging tail always means a dog is happy. True or False?
False- wagging tails can also mean excitement or nervousness and even aggression.
If a dogs ears are flat against its head, how might it be feeling?
scared, submissive
Should you pet a dog while its eating?
No, it might be guarding its food
Is it safe to hug a dog around its neck?
No! it can make them uncomfortable or scared
What is the first thing you should do before petting a dog?
ask the owner for permission
If a dogs tail is tucked between its legs, how is it feeling?
scared or nervous
A dog with wide eyes and showing the whites of its eyes is feeling this way
nervous. bonus: white of its eyes showing is called whale eyes.
You see a dog tied up outside a store. Should you pet it?
No. Always ask an owner first and never approach a dog by itself on your own.
What might a dog do if it doesn't like being petted?
move away, yawn, lip lick, whale eye
How should you let a dog sniff you?
holding hand out in a fist (fingers curled under). Turn your body to the side so you are not head on with the dog.
A dogs tail is high and stiff in the air. What might this mean?
alertness, confidence or aggression
when a dogs ears are forward, its feeling this way
curious, alert, interested in something
what should you do if a dog runs up to you, barking?
stand like a tree, do not run, do not stare in its eyes.
False- it is submissive or fear response.
What should you do if a dog seems nervous when you approach?
stop, move slowly, let the dog come to you. (get lower but never in its face)
What does a slow, low tail wag mean
what should you do if a dog stares at you intensely without blinking
look away, give it space, it is feeling threatened.
You find a lost dog with no owner around, what is the safest thing to do?
call an adult or animal control for help
What should you do if a dog growls at you?
stop and give it space. This is a warning from the dog.
Why shouldn't you stare directly into a dogs eyes when meeting him/her?
the dog perceives this as a threat
A relaxed tail usually looks like this.
gentle wag, hanging naturally.
what does a happy, relaxed dogs eyes look like?
slightly squinty, blinking, pupils relaxed
should you ever wake up a sleeping dog?
no, it might get startled and snap
Is it OK to run and scream around a dog while playing?
No because it might get too excited, chase/tackle you or lead to aggressive behavior.
You want to pet a dog, but it turns its head and yawns. What should you do?
give it space and do not pet it.