Its very rare that a dog will bite a child without being provoked so its vital that you educate your child on the do’s and don’ts when around a dog of any size.
Here are 20 rules all kids need to be taught about dogs:
- Never approach a strange dog you don’t know or a dog whose not with his owner.
- Always ask the owner of a dog if it is OK to pat their dog.
- Do not run away from a dog that is chasing you. Stop, stand still, stay calm with arms at your side, stay quiet and don’t scream. Slowly walk away facing the dog but remembering not to stare at his eyes.
- If a dog does attack, “feed” him your jacket, a school book, a bicycle or anything else that you can get between you and the dog.
- If the owner cannot control the dog and have it sit nicely for the child to pat, walk away.
- Never disturb any dog who is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
- Prior to patting a dog make sure you him see and let him sniff you first.
- If a dog is injured do not touch or try to help, get an adult.
- When offering a treat to a dog you know place it on an open palm and allow the dog to remove it. The same goes with a dog toy.
- Don’t approach a dog that is confined behind a fence, within a car, or on a chain
- Don’t tease any dog by poking at them through fences or car windows or reaching your arm through to pat them.
- Just because a dog wags its tail does not mean its friendly.
- Do not chase after dogs.
- Screaming around a dog can startle them.
- Children should not stare into the eyes of a dog.
- If a dog starts to circle you – turn with it, don’t let it get behind you.
- If the dog shows aggressive behaviour (I.e. barking or growling) put something between you and the dog – like a chair.
- If you are in the area of a stray dog – leave that area.
- Talk to the dog in a calming voice and show positive body language.
- If you are attacked, stop curl into a ball like a turtle, cover your head with your arms and hands.