We must teach and educate our children how to properly interact with dogs.

Education is the key to bite prevention!

We spend many of our early teachings with our children teaching them right from wrong, safe from unsafe and all the do’s and do not’s. We teach our children how to cross the road safely, not to talk to strangers, and how to call 1011 in an emergency.

Why shouldn’t we teach them how to approach dogs in general?

It is estimated that in 70% of dog bite cases the victim knew the dog, and of that 25% lived in the house with the offending dog.

Parents MUST teach their children, of all ages, how to respect their own family dog, and how to approach a strange dog.

HELPFUL HINTS TO REMEMBER AS PARENTS TO TEACH YOUR CHILD

Family Dog
  • NEVER disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
  • NEVER pet a dog, even your own, without letting him see and sniff you first.
Dog WITH Owner
  • Children must always ASK PERMISSION from the owner and their parents BEFORE petting any dog.
  • If the owner CANNOT control the dog and have it SIT nicely for the child to pet, SAY THANK YOU AND WALK AWAY
Dogs in their own yard
  • NEVER approach a dog who is confined behind a fence, within a car, or on a chain.
  • NEVER TEASE any dog by poking at them through fences or car windows or reaching your arm through to pet them.
Dogs WITHOUT an owner
  • NEVER approach a dog you don’t know or a dog who is alone without his owner.
  • NEVER RUN away from any dog chasing. STOP, STAND STILL, REMAIN CALM, ARMS AT YOUR SIDES, DO NOT SCREAM, AND WALK AWAY SLOWLY FACING THE DOG BUT NOT STARING AT THEM
  • If a dog attacks, “feed” him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything else that you can get between you and the dog.
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