Dog Safety Tips for Children and Parents

• Don't just pick a dog because it is the cutest in the litter.
  
• Look at the parents, know how big the puppy will get as an adult.
• Study about the breed you are choosing and know the training advantages and disadvantages.
• Get your puppy from a reputable breeder.

• Dogs are smart, but they always will test their limits. (Pack order.)
• Your dog is trainable, but it will take time.
• Take your puppy places when they are young to get them use to seeing all types of people and activities.

• Dogs that are chained or tied are more defensive and may become aggressive. Think about the saying, "At the end of my rope."
  
• It is much better to have a small fenced area to keep your dog in and keep others out. 

• A crate in the house and a doghouse in the yard is a great way for your dog to get away from it all. Don't rely only on these tools when caring for your dog. Remember, dogs are highly social animals.
  
• The crate is your dog's private space. That means no children and no adults allowed.
  
• Another privacy moment is during feeding time. Best for children to stay out of the food dish.
  

• If your dog snarls or growls, step back right away. It means your dog doesn't like what is happening.
• A dog's bark can also be a warning to stay away.
  
• Contact a professional trainer / behaviorist to learn more about why dogs growl and if it indicates a problem with your dog.
  

• If a dog approaches you, be a tree and stay completely still.
• If you can, back up slowly to a tree or a car and keep facing the dog. 
• Don't run or scream. If you need to, call for help.
• If the dog tries to sniff you, keep your hands at your sides.

• Listen up parents! You don't know what your children might do to a dog.
  
• Dogs have very strong protection instincts that are hard to control.
• DON'T TAKE CHANCES!
  

• If you tease dogs through a fence or door, their natural instincts take over. They don't like to be teased! If you tease a dog, there may be serious consequences.
  
• If you play tug-of-war with a dog as play, they may think they can tug on anything they can grab -- coats, arms, toys. If you are seeing this behavior, you may benefit from stronger leadership skills.
  

• How would you like to be sleeping and something as big as you jumped on your belly? It is NOT okay to jump on dogs!
  
• Train your dog that surprises equal really tasty treats. We do this with all puppies so if they are accidentally surprised they think food not fangs.
  
• If you surprise your dog and he growls, back off! This especially applies to children!
  

• Always ask if it is okay to approach a dog.
  
• Always ask if you may pet a dog before petting.
  
• Dogs may look friendly, but they may not like children.
• Don't worry if you are told "NO" for petting, not all dogs like to be social.

• If you are riding your bike and a dog chases you, STOP, dismount and keep your bike between you and the dog.
• Without something to chase, the dog will probably lose interest.
• Call for help if you need it. (Remember don't run and scream.)
  

• Get regular veterinary check ups.
  
• Remember to get "shots" that the veterinarian recommends.
  

• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog. Glance at the dog, but don't stare -- staring may be perceived as a threat.
• Stay out of a dog's yard. Don't open gates or even think about approaching a strange dog when the owner is not around.
• Speak to a dog in a calm voice. Try giving it a command like, "Go Home" or "DOWN."
• If attacked, "feed" the dog something like a jacket or backpack.
• If a dog bites you, tell your parents right away, then see a doctor.
• Don't litter. Spay or neuter your pets and control the pet population.