That includes NEVER provoking a dog into growling, barking, lunging, or otherwise acting aggressively. Whether the dog is chained in a yard or behind a fence, explain that teasing makes the dog angry. If an angry dog gets loose, he could attack and bite the child.
Use your own dog, a friend's pet or even a stuffed animal to teach children how to gently handle animals.
Monitor your child's play with a dog.
A dog may not understand a child's limitations and play can get too rough. Tell your child not to encourage a dog to chase them when they are playing. The game of Tug of War is a definite No-No between kids and dogs.
Advise your child not to run and scream around dogs.
Quick movements and high pitched squeals can trigger a dog's prey instinct, (hunting and chasing), which can lead to the child being knocked to the ground and bitten. Ask your child why dogs don't chase trees -- because they stand still and don't make noise!
Instruct your child to always avoid strange dogs.
That means never entering someone else's property under any circumstances - not to visit a pet, chase a ball, or knock on the back door of a friend's house. Such intrusions could surprise the resident dog that may do whatever it takes to protect his territory.
Have your child ask before petting a dog - even if he knows the dog.
Perhaps the dog has a sore shoulder that day and your child's gentle pat on that exact spot could cause the dog to growl and bite. Once they have permission, children should slowly offer their hand for the dog to sniff before petting. This gives the dog a chance to check them out. Then they can stroke the dog's back. Reaching right for the dog's head could be seen as a threat by the dog. And do not bend over a dog for the same reason.
Teach your child to respect a dog's privacy.
A child should never be allowed to bother a dog when he's eating, sleeping or in his crate.
Tell your child not to stare into a dog's eyes.
Dogs perceive staring as a threat and my react aggressively. Instead look at the dog's shoulder.
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