A talk I gave at school holiday workshops for kids in Sydney's Centennial Park for several years. I based the talk on a book of the same title written by Susan McLaine and Karen Damiani and illustrated by Margaret Power (Angus and Robertson 2004). The important message for kids was to always ask their parent or carer, the dog owner, AND the dog before patting a dog. The presentation also included tips on caring for dogs and a demonstration of dog training tricks. I wrote about the experience of delivering the talk on my blog: robertfairhead.com/pat-that-dog/

1. Can I pat that dog?
Robert Fairhead with Jaiden & Harry
Eastern Suburbs Dog Training Club
www.easternsuburbsdogtraining.org.au

2. Can I pat that dog?
1.How to approach a dog
– questions to ask and
dog body language
2.How to look after a dog
– dogs need more than
just food & water
3.How to train a dog -
Harry’s tricks (with help
from Jaiden)!

3. Parents & Carers please buy:
Harper Collins website
● ISBN: 9780207200144
● RRP: $14.95

4. Can I pat that dog?
No, he looks angry!
● Growling or barking
● Wrinkled nose
● Showing teeth
● Tail & hair standing up
● Staring

5. Can I pat that dog?
No, she looks scared!
● Crouched down
● Tail between legs
● Ears pulled back
● Will try to back away
● If cornered, may look
like an angry dog

6. Can I pat that dog?
No, he is on guard!
• Behind a fence
• In a car
• Protecting owner's property

7. Can I pat that dog?
No, she is tied up!
● Might feel frightened
● Protecting owner's
things

8. Can I pat that dog?
No, he is eating!
● Might think you want to
steal his food

9. Can I pat that dog?
No, she is sleeping!
● Might wake confused
and frightened

10. Can I pat that dog?
No, he looks old!
● Like old people, old
dogs can be grumpy
● Eyesight & hearing fails
● Bodies slow down &
get stiff
● Get aches & pains that
hurt if patted too hard

11. Can I pat that dog?
No, she has puppies!
● Very protective mothers
● Might think you want to
steal her puppies

12. Can I pat that dog?
No, he is working!
● Customs Service dogs
at airports
● Guide dogs
● Police & Guard dogs

13. Can I pat that dog?
Yes, she looks happy!

14. Can I pat that dog?
Kids, always ask:
• Parent or Carer
• Dog Owner
• And the Dog!
Happy dog body language
● Waggy tail
● Ears rounded
● Floppy tongue/smiling
● Panting/licking
● Bow for a play!

15. How to look after a dog.
More than just food & water:
• Walking
• Picking up doggy doo
• Washing & brushing
• Playing & training
• Vet visits & holidays
• Oh, and feeding!

16. Training & Tricks
Basic training:
• Heeling
• Sit/Stand/Down
• Stay/Come/Close
• Fetch
Clever tricks:
• Flag race
• Lead me blindfolded
• Tug of war
• Roll for pat

17. Any Questions
• Visit Dog Club website:
– www.easternsuburbsdogtraining.org.au
• Email me:
– robertf@rocher.com.au
• Buy book: “Can I pat that dog?”
– Harper Collins publication
– ISBN: 9780207200144
– RRP: $14.95
• “Dogs in Centennial Parklands”