Safety Guidelines
- Young children should never approach a dog without adult supervision. A small child who has a dog at home may assume all dogs are as friendly and tolerant. Do not let a young child run up to an unfamiliar dog. Hold your child's hand and ask the owner's permission to pet the dog.
- When friends come to your home, teach them how to treat your dog. It's safer for everyone -- dogs and people -- when everyone knows the rules.
- Never hit your dog. The best way to discipline your dog is to train it properly. Once your dog knows what is expected of him, he will do his best to please you. A firm "No!" should take care of any momentary slipups.
- Do not try to separate two fighting dogs. Walk away slowly; children should notify an adult. (An adult can try to stop the fight with water from a garden hose or lemon juice in a squirt bottle. Trying to pull apart fighting dogs can cause them to turn on you.)
- A child should immediately tell an adult if he has been bitten by a dog, even lightly. Also instruct your child to tell you right away if your family dog growls at him.
- If an unfamiliar or unfriendly dog chases you, perhaps while you are walking or on a bicycle, stop moving and stand still with your arms at your sides until the dog leaves. Do not yell, wave your hands, or look directly into the dog's eyes.
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