Tips for a comfortable, happy and safe visit ...
Should you Trust a Tail-Wagging Dog?
Feral dogs are present in Kenya, so if you are planning a visit to remote villages, or just happen to meet a dog, it is best to be aware that Rabies does exist in Kenya.  

It is not generally necessary to have the Rabies inoculation oneself - especially if just going on safari - and you can protect yourself with just a little knowledge.
          " Most dog bites could be avoided as there are usually tell-tale signs before an attack", 
            says Dr. Roger Mugford of the Animal Behaviour Centre in Surrey, England.  "Dogs are 
            sophisticated communicators and they have a language that people have to learn."

Failing to learn this language is often why some people attend hospitals for dog bites each year.
Does a wagging tail mean the dog is friendly? 
  • A wagging tail simply indicates that the dog attached to it is alert, interested or excited - it may or may not be friendly.  A dog might be excited about seeing someone it likes, getting its dinner, or taking on an attacker.
  • A submission or scared dog will tuck its tail between its legs.
  • A friendly dog will wag in a relaxed way.  This will put the whole back half of the body in motion.
  • A dog whose tail is up, stiff and rapidly swishing back and forth is displaying dominance and should be treated with caution.
If a dog looks threatening ...
  • Stand still.  This does not threaten a dog and without the stimulus of your motion, the dog may feel that the game is over and lose interest.
  • If you run, your motion will set off a dog's chase-and-attack instincts.
  • If you run, a dog will catch you. The fastest humans can run at just over 20 miles per hour, and a large dog can bound after you at between 25-40 miles per hour.  Even a Chihuahua can overtake you.
You should never look an aggressive dog in the eye ...
  • Direct eye contact often communicates dominance or a challenge to a dog.  Avoiding eye contact will help send a non-threatening message to the dog.
  • Avert your eyes, as the key to your safety is to act like a subordinate dog.
  • Do not turn your back.  If a dog gets behind you, it may feel you are weak and attack.
  • Watch the dog from the corner of your eye and stand slightly sideways as well as standing still.
  • Do not panic.
  • Do not scream.
  • Talk in a soothing manner - loud sounds may make the dog more aroused.
  • Stand still until the dog moves away, and then back out of its territory - always keep the dog in front of you.
The best way to greet a strange dog is to ... 
  • Put it at ease.
  • Let it take the initiative and wait for it to notice you.
  • Keep your upper body erect, and allow the dog to approach.
  • If it is a small dog, you might want to squat, which is less threatening because you are at its level and not towering over it.
  • Talk to the dog in a cheerful voice.
  • Stoke its chest or shoulder, rather than its head or neck. Most dogs dislike being patted on the head as they find it irritating and sometimes frightening.
Does a dog's territory stop at its own property? 
  • No.   Dogs do not recognise human property boundaries.
  • A dog will regard streets and pavements adjacent to its owner's house and garden as home grounds, so passers-by are the most common victims of attack.
Chaining up a dog can make it more dangerous ...
  • In a high percentage of serious bites, especially of very young children, the dog was either chained or broke loose from a chain.
  • A tied dog may become frustrated and you should be extremely cautious in approaching one these animals.
Which age group gets bitten the most?
  • Between 35% and 55% of dog-bite victims are aged under 16.
  • Never leave a baby alone with any dog.  An infant's movements and sounds may stimulate some dog's predatory instincts.