• Never go up to a dog unless it is on a lead and with its owner.
• If you see a dog that you would like to say hello to, you need to ask mum or dad whether it is ok to ask.
• Walk quietly towards the dog making sure the owner and dog can see you coming.
• Stop three big steps short of the dog.

Why
When a dog is on a lead it can move three big steps from its owner.
By stopping three big steps away you are making sure the dog can’t reach you.
Remember the owner may say “No”.
Close

• Always ask the owner if you may say hello to the dog.
• Do not approach until the owner has said, “Yes”.
• If the owner says, “Yes”, walk towards the dog on a curve like a banana or smile.
• Do not walk straight at the dog.

Why
When dogs say hello to each other they approach each other on a curve.
If a dog comes straight at another dog it may think that it is going to attack it.
Close

• Dogs say hello to each other by smelling.
• To keep your fingers safe, put your thumb across your palm and curl your fingers over the top.
• Bring your hand up from your side so the dog can smell the back of your hand with your fingers curled under.

Why
Dogs have a very strong sense of smell.
They can smell you a long time before your hand gets close.
By bringing your hand close to the dog you can see if they are happy to say hello.
Close

• Stroke with a relaxed straight arm so that your face is always a long way from the dog’s face.
• Never pat the dog on the head or down the front.
• Always stand up so that your face is away from the dog’s face.

Why
Moving to the side and patting with a straight, relaxed arm keeps your face away from the dog’s face.
Patting the dog down the front or shoulders brings your face close to the dog’s face.
Close