Grown-ups

Meeting a dog: Ask, Wait, Stroke

I love meeting new friends, and my friends love knowing how. Here is how to say hello to a dog safely, and how to tell what a dog is feeling.

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Ask, Wait, Stroke

How to say hello to a dog, with Biscuit

1. AskAsk the owner first: "May I pet your dog?" If the answer is no, say thank you and walk on.
2. WaitHold out a closed hand and let the dog come to you and sniff. Stay still.
3. StrokePet gently on the shoulder or chest. Do not pet the top of the head.

A relaxed dog

  • Loose, wiggly body
  • Soft eyes
  • Easy, open mouth
  • Ears relaxed
  • Tail swinging loosely

A worried dog

  • Tail tucked under
  • Ears pinned back
  • Whites of the eyes showing
  • Licking lips or yawning
  • Turning away
  • Stiff, still body
When you are not sure
  • Stay calm and stand still.
  • Do not run and do not stare.
  • Let the dog pass, or back away slowly.
  • Tell a grown-up.
  • Never touch a dog that is sleeping or eating, and never reach over a fence.

Ask a grown-up to look at Peabody Pets with you: pet.peabody.kids
From CDC Healthy Pets, ASPCA dog bite prevention, ASPCA Pro body language, PDSA body language, RSPCA body language, checked 29 Oct 2026.

Try it: three boxes

Question 1 of 4

You see a friendly dog on a walk. What do you do first?

A grown-up can show you how to meet your own family dog. Ask a grown-up to look at Peabody Pets with you: pet.peabody.kids.

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