During body blocking, what is the recommended position of your hands while stepping toward the dog?

During body blocking, what is the recommended position of your hands while stepping toward the dog?

• A. Wave your arms.
• B. Keep your hands at your sides.
• C. Reach out to touch the dog's face.
• D. Grab or pull.

Answer: (B)

In body blocking, the goal is to guide or shield the dog with calm, non-threatening posture. Keeping your hands at your sides achieves this by presenting a steady, non-provocative signal and by leaving your arms free to react if needed. Waving your arms, reaching out to touch the dog's face, or grabbing and pulling can be perceived as threats or attempts to force the dog, which increases the risk of a bite or a flare-up. With hands at your sides, you minimize threat cues, maintain control through your torso and movement, and can pivot or adjust your position smoothly to steer the dog safely. This posture helps protect both you and the dog by avoiding unnecessary contact and aggressive signals.

In body blocking, the goal is to guide or shield the dog with calm, non-threatening posture. Keeping your hands at your sides achieves this by presenting a steady, non-provocative signal and by leaving your arms free to react if needed. Waving your arms, reaching out to touch the dog's face, or grabbing and pulling can be perceived as threats or attempts to force the dog, which increases the risk of a bite or a flare-up. With hands at your sides, you minimize threat cues, maintain control through your torso and movement, and can pivot or adjust your position smoothly to steer the dog safely. This posture helps protect both you and the dog by avoiding unnecessary contact and aggressive signals.