Teach Children to “be a Tree” When an Unknown Dog Approaches Them
It’s okay and fun for kids to interact with new dogs as long as they do it properly (Rule # 1: Talk to the owner first) , but there are times when the dog greets them too gently or even aggressively. Doggone Safe , an organization dedicated to preventing dog bites, teaches children to “be a tree” when approached by an unknown dog. Why? Trees are boring to dogs.
This is how it works. When the dog approaches, the child should:
- Stop.
- Fold their “twigs” (hands) in front of you.
- Watch their “roots” grow (look at their feet).
- Count their breaths in your head until help arrives or the dog leaves.
This is how it looks in action:
When teaching children how to be a tree, it is important that they practice in a low stress environment , with a stuffed animal or their real pet. The ASPCA has other tips for reducing the risk of dog bites , highlighting that understanding a dog’s body language is key.