Safety Around Dogs: Top Ten Do’s and Don’ts for Children
- Don’t approach dogs you don’t know without the permission of the owner. Not all dogs are friendly and some may bite.
- If adults tell you it is OK to pet their dog…
- Don’t run toward the dog or scream
- Don’t hug, poke, or grab the dog.
- Do approach slowly and quietly.
- Do allow the dog to sniff your hand first.
- Do pet the dog gently under his chin or on his chest.
- Don’t try to touch or pet any dog that growls, snarls, or runs away from you.
- Don’t play roughly with any dog.
- Don’t try to pet a dog through fences, car windows, or cages, and Don’t approach a dog that is tied up.
- Don’t try to take bones, food, or toys from a dog.
- Don’t frighten or startle any dog, especially when it is sleeping.
- Don’t try to punish a dog in any way.
- If a dog you don’t know comes up to you…
- Don’t run or yell.
- Don’t look directly at him.
- Do stand perfectly still.
- Do watch the dog out of the corner of your eye.
- Do walk away slowly after a minute or two if the dog has walked away from you.
- Do treat all dogs, cats and other animals kindly and humanely.