Ever wish you had just the right way to tell young children how to meet a dog? There are some good books out there already, but Seattle artist Wendy Wahman has a great new book out that can help! I have to admit, I haven’t read the book yet, but I’m trying to get a copy so that we can use it as part of our Kids & Dogs training class at Ahimsa in Seattle and Bellevue.
Kids & Dogs is part of the Dream Dog program, where you can set your own schedule and customize the topics for what you want to learn. Parents who want their children to be safer can take the Kids & Dogs class with their children. In Kids & Dogs sessions, we discuss safety issues, general dog training, and have a lot of fun!
But back to the “Don’t Lick the Dog” book. It’s beautifully illustrated, and seems to have solid advice. The Seattle P-I has this quote from the book; if even ADULTS knew not to reach right out to pat dogs they don’t know on top of the head, I’d be happy:
“Whap, whap, whap! Dogs hate that!…Stand still and let dogs come to you to smell your hand or sniff your shoe.”
Wahlman’s book also urges kids to ask if they can pet dogs, and also prepares them to hear the answer, “no.” That second bit seems to be missing in a lot of children’s dog etiquette educations!
