Dogs and children can be an unpredictable mix and with media headlines about dangerous dogs parents can be understandably concerned about the safety of their children both at home and when out and about.  It is not enough to assume that dogs will be well behaved it is essential to teach your children how to behave to be safe around dogs.  

1. The reasons dogs bite
2. Basic rules
3. How to make friends with a dog
4. How to stay safe if a strange or excited dog runs up to you
5. What to do if you are knocked to the ground
6. Establish house rules for your own dogs

The reasons dogs bite:

• They are protecting themselves or their property
  Never approach a dog when he is eating, playing with a toy or has puppies, he may think you are trying to take it/them away from him. Similarly don’t enter a garden if a dog is loose, even if you know him – he probably feels that he is on protection duty and will regard you as a threat.
• They may be in pain
  Never approach a dog who is sick or injured.
• They may be anxious
  Never approach a dog who has been left alone outside a shop/café
• They may feel trapped
  Never block the dog’s exit or make him feel that there is no escape for example in his bed or under a table. Call the dog to you – if he doesn’t come then leave him alone. If he tries to move away let him, don’t follow him.  Also don’t hug a dog, how would you feel if a stranger hugged you?
• They may have been surprised by your actions
  Be quiet and gentle. Walk, don’t run or jump and don’t shout or throw things at him.
• They may be very excited
  Never attempt to approach a dog that is in the middle of a game with it's owner

Basic Rules

• Supervision
  Obviously the first piece of advice is to keep your child supervised whenever he is interacting with a dog whether it is your own pet or a stranger’s.  Children under the age of twelve years should never be left unsupervised with any dog, even for a few moments. No matter how well you know the animal, a dog may bite if it feels threatened or if it is very excited.
• Keep Calm
  While it is important to teach children to respect all animals, it’s essential to be calm and gentle around dogs.  Animals are often frightened or upset by sudden noise and movements. Remember too, that dogs don’t always appreciate being hugged or cuddled unless they’re familiar with it from an early age.  If you already have a dog in the family you will need to make sure that your child understands that not all dogs are as friendly as yours.
• Body Language
  Encourage children to keep a close eye on a dog’s body language and to watch for ‘danger signs’ that a dog might be feeling threatened or insecure. These include, licking lips, looking away, lifting a front paw, walking away, or growling.

How to make friends with a dog

• Ask the owner if it is OK to stroke him and check where the dog likes to be stroked.
• Approach the dog with an upturned, open hand below his eye level and let the dog sniff your hand before you attempt to stroke him.
• Be quiet and gentle – walk, don’t run or jump
• Give the animal plenty of space
• Only feed the dog if the owner has told you to do so
• Call the dog to you and leave him alone if he doesn’t come
• Never approach a dog when he or she is sleeping, feeding or drinking and don’t try to remove his or her toy
• Never be cross. Don’t hit, smack or kick a dog
• Don’t play games where the dog chases you, or wrestles with you

How to stay safe if a strange or excited dog runs up to you

• Stand still and tall (like a tree), fold your arms or put your hands in your pocket, keep quiet and look away
• Never run away as most dogs love to chase, instead move away slowly.
• Drop any toys or food the dog is more likely to be interested in those than you. If you are on a bike and a dog chases you, get off on the opposite side and put the bike between yourself and the dog
• If you’re carrying a bag and a dog jumps up, put the bag between yourself and the dog

What to do if you are knocked to the ground

• Roll up into a ball with your face to the ground
• Make no sound
• Cover your face with your hands

Establish house rules for your own dogs

The aim of these rules is to keep the children safe. It is important that all members of the household and all visitors stick to these rules.

• Every member of the household should train, groom and feed the dog
• Do not allow chase games or wrestling games between children and your dog. Your dog may become too excited and hurt someone.
• Never sneak up and surprise your dog
• Do not allow anyone to tease your dog
• Never allow anyone to hit or hurt your dog
• Never allow the dog to chew your skin or clothes. Your dog must never think that it is OK to touch your skin or clothes with his teeth.