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P.O. Box 1015 Waldorf, MD 20604-1015
Phone: 301 645-8181

2 June 2000, From the American Humane Association
Bite Proof your Children

The rewards of teaching consideration and respect for animals are children who are both humane and safe.

Warm weather means kids on the move. Children on bicycles, skates and skateboards explore new places and come into contact with different sights, sounds, people, and yes, animals.

To prevent upsetting or even tragic situations resulting from active children encountering strange dogs, teach your children these rules about how to behave around dogs:

• Dogs do not like to be teased. Stay away from dogs that are chained or in fenced yards. Do not shout, run around, or stick hands at dogs through fences or open car windows. Never approach a strange dog.
• Dogs are possessive about certain things. Do not grab things like bones, balls or other pet toys from a dog.
• Never stick your hand or try to separate dogs in a dog fight. Find an adult to help.
• Know what an angry dog looks like. Barking, growling, snarling with teeth showing, ears laid flat, legs stiff, tail up, and hair standing on a dog's back are warning signs. If a dog looks this way, slowly walk away sideways. Shout, "NO!" at the dog and act like the boss. Never stare a dog in the eyes, or turn around and run away. Curl up in a ball on the ground and protect your face if a dog attacks.
• If bitten, tell an adult right away. Remember what the dog looked like, if it had a collar and in what direction it went. Wash the wound in soap and water. See a doctor, and report the bite to the local health department.

Teach your children that, although dogs can be great friends, not all dogs are always friendly. They'll be safer for it.