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Student Instructions
Have you ever felt shy or nervous meeting a new person? A lot of people have, and humans are not the only ones who can feel this way. Dogs and other animals can feel shy or nervous when meeting new people as well. That is why it is important to learn how to greet a new dog in a way that makes both people and animals feel safe.
1. Ask - It is important to always ask the guardian whether the dog is ready to be pet. There are some dogs who are very nervous around new people, and they might not be ready to be pet. If the guardian says "no," it is best to leave that animal alone. In column 1, 
a picture of you asking a dog's guardian if you can pet their dog.
2. Sniff - Before petting, we should let them sniff or smell our hand. Dogs like to introduce themselves this way and it makes them feel safe. In column 2, a picture of you allowing a dog to sniff your hand.
3. Pet - The last step is to gently pet the dog. In column 3, yourself petting the dog.
Teacher Notes (not visible to students)
This lesson was created by H.E.A.R.T. (Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers). Please visit https://teachheart.org/library/ to access our full library of activities and lessons for educators like you. You can use an expanded version of this activity in our Kindness for All Guide in the Animals Have Feelings Too lesson. Thank you for using this resource. Follow us on social media @teachhumane or drop us a line at email@teachheart.org!
