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?
ignore the dog, let it come to you. do not make eye contact, try to have your body turned to the side so you are not facing it straight on.
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.