A Closer Look at Brandin Bryant's 'Can I Pet That Dog?' on Pbs Between the Covers
By Alexander Ross
The phrase "Can I pet that dog?" has circulated as an internet meme for years, but in practical family life, the question represents a serious safety boundary. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States every year, with children between ages 5 and 9 facing the highest risk of injury. Most incidents occur not because an animal is inherently vicious, but because a child misinterprets stress signals or approaches without warning.
Bryant constructed the book to teach children three core rules of pet etiquette:
- Always Ask the Handler First: A dog might be reactive, in training, or recovering from surgery. The owner knows best.
- Observe Canine Body Language: A wagging tail does not always mean a happy dog; stiff posture, tucked tails, and pinned ears are clear signs to step back.
- Allow the Dog to Make Contact: Rushing in with outstretched hands over a dog's head triggers defensive instincts. Presenting a neutral posture lets the animal initiate comfort.
Children frequently assume that every domestic dog welcomes sudden hugs, eye contact, and loud greetings. By translating veterinary behavior basics into relatable dialogue and vivid picture book illustration, Bryant equips parents and teachers with a baseline script for walks in public parks and neighborhood visits.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
