Generally speaking, it is better to avoid unknown dogs because of health and safety issues. If your son wants to say hi, this is the order of events that should happen:
- Your son sees a dog;
- Your son should identify the dog's owner (if the dog is tied up) if nearby;
- If the owner is found, before approaching the dog, your son should ask the owner:
Is he friendly?
If the owner replies:
Yes.
- Then your son should ask:
Can I say hi?
And if the owner says:
Sure.
Your son can approach the dog
Your son should let the dog sniff him first. He should not make sudden movements or loud noises. He should be respectful, and not try to contain, pick up, squeeze, or hug the dog in any way. He should also only pat or pet the dog's back at first. Your son can ask the owner about where the dog most likes being petted. Your sayson should only say hi for about a minute before going on his way. Your son should get on his way sooner if the dog is aggressive.
You should teach your son to (assuming he is not with you) never:
- approach an unleashed dog;
- start petting a dog without the owner's permission;
- agree to follow an owner to their car or somewhere else to meet their dog (kidnapping risk);
- say hi to a dog that is scared of him, whining, barking or jumping, or bad body language;
- or do anything else risky.
The worst-case scenario is that your son gets bitten by a dog. If so, have him immediately ask the owner if the dog has had his shots (like rabies). If not, he should tell the owner to phone (and for his phone number) a veterinarian or hospital immediately as well as you (the parent). If he did get something like rabies, he would need immediate medical attention. If the dog has had his shots, then your son should head back home to clean the wound. See here for how to do that.
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