Teach Your Kids To Be Safe Around Dogs

Children seem to love dogs with a passion. They just need to learn to love dogs with some caution. Even the friendliest dogs can be uncomfortable with a child's quick movements and loud tone of voice.

So what's a child to do? In a nutshell: Speak quietly and move slowly around dogs, and follow these simple guidelines:

• Before petting someone's dog, ask the person's permission.


• Never sneak up on or pet a dog who is eating or sleeping.


• Never pet a dog who is playing with a toy.


• Never try to pet a dog who is in a car or behind a fence.

If a strange dog approaches, children should follow these tips:

• If you are walking, stop and stand still (like a tree) with your hands at your side.


• If you are playing on the ground, lie still on the ground (like a log) with your knees tucked into your stomach and your hands over your ears.


• Never, ever try to outrun a dog. Back away slowly from him instead.