Hey there! Imagine you see your friend George with a super cute dog you’ve never met before. It’s his sister’s new puppy, and you really want to pet it. But wait! Before you rush over, there are some important things to remember.
First, always ask your friend if it’s okay to pet the dog. Some dogs might be scared of strangers or just not in the mood for petting. It’s always polite to check first!
When you get the okay, don’t run up to the dog with open arms. Instead, let the dog come to you. Stand still and see how it reacts. If you move too quickly, the dog might get scared. Remember, the goal is to make a new furry friend!
Here’s a fun trick: pretend the dog isn’t there. Talk to your friend and act like you don’t notice the dog. This might make the dog curious about you, and it might come over to say hi!
Once the dog is close, let it sniff you. Keep your hand relaxed and your fingers curled under for safety. Dogs use their noses to learn about new people, so let it take its time.
While you’re petting the dog, pay attention to its body language. If it’s wagging its tail and looks happy, that’s a good sign! But if it’s showing its teeth or growling, give it some space.
When you pet the dog, start by gently stroking its ears and neck. Avoid petting its head right away because your hand might surprise it. Dogs love back and shoulder rubs too!
When you get home, your own dog, Riley, is super excited to see you! Spend time with Riley by playing fetch with a tennis ball or even a stick. Dogs love to play, and it’s a great way to keep them happy.
If your dog likes water, try playing in a lake or the ocean. Just make sure your dog can swim, or use a doggy life vest. You can also play hide and seek with your dog. Find a good hiding spot and call your dog to find you. It’s a fun game for both of you!
It’s important for dogs to have friends too. Set up playdates with other dogs so they can learn to be social. You can even throw a puppy party with lots of dogs and fun activities!
Teaching your dog new tricks is a great way to bond. Grab some treats and show your dog how to roll over or do other fun tricks. It’s a fun way to spend time together and impress your friends!
Remember, dogs are our best friends, and they love spending time with us. So, give them lots of love and attention, and you’ll have a happy, wagging tail by your side!
Role-Play with a Friend: Pair up with a classmate and take turns pretending to be a dog and a person meeting a new dog. Practice asking for permission, approaching slowly, and using the “ignore to attract” trick. Discuss how it felt to be both the dog and the person, and what you learned about making a dog feel comfortable.
Observation Walk: Take a walk in your neighborhood or a local park with an adult. Look for people walking their dogs. Observe how people interact with their dogs and how the dogs respond. Do you see anyone using the tips from the article? Share your observations with your class and discuss what you noticed about the dogs’ body language.
Create a Dog Care Poster: Use what you’ve learned to make a colorful poster about how to safely and kindly meet a new dog. Include drawings and tips like asking for permission, approaching slowly, and watching the dog’s body language. Display your poster in the classroom to help others learn how to make friends with dogs.
