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1555 Cooper Hill Road • Birmingham, AL 35210 • (205) 588-4709

Talk Dog Blog

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Pet Safety Tips for Kids

Pet Safety Tips for Kids*

Ask the owner before petting Rover.
Many dogs are very friendly, but some dogs are not. Make sure to ask the owners if their dog is friendly
and if it’s okay for you to pet the dog; make sure to also ask your own parent or guardian before you
pet a stranger’s dog. Be sure to follow all of the safety tips!
Puppy or kitten, ask for permission.
It is also important to ask an adult before petting puppies or kittens, especially when the mama dog or cat
is present. Mothers of almost any animal are naturally protective of their babies.
Petting the chin is where you begin.
After you have received permission to pet a dog, you should begin petting the dog under its chin or on its chest, always approaching from the side of the dog.
This way the dog can see where your hand is and what you are doing. Many dogs don’t like to be petted
on the top of the head. They might think you are trying to hurt or dominate them.
He sniffs your hand to understand.
A dog’s sense of smell is much, much greater than our own. Dogs use this sense of smell when greeting
and getting to know newcomers. If a dog smells you to get to know you, let him sniff the back of your
hand. This will keep your fingers out of the way as well as not threaten the dog.
If he has a bone, leave him alone. If he has a snack, you must keep back.
If a dog is eating or is chewing on a bone or other item, he/she might think you are going to take it away,
which could cause the dog to protect what it has by growling, snapping or biting.
Respecting his space will save your face.
It is common sense to keep a respectable distance between a child's face and the teeth of a dog or a cat,
even if it is the family pet.
If you run and shout, he's gonna freak out.
The way you behave can influence the way a dog behaves. If you scream, shout, run or swing your arms
or feet around dogs, they are more likely to chase or attack you.
He'll think you’re the bomb if you act very calm.
Your behavior can influence the way any dog behaves, but shy or nervous dogs can be even more
affected by rambunctious children. Being calm around a shy dog can make them feel less nervous and
more secure.
Whether girl or a boy, never tease or annoy.
If you are teasing or annoying a dog or a cat, they can’t tell you in words that they want you to stop; but
they can tell you to stop by growling, biting or scratching.
Quiet and slow is the way to go.
If you are scared of a dog, do not run or scream. It is safer to walk away slowly and quietly. As you
calmly walk away, try not to stare into the dog’s eyes; or the dog might think you want to fight.
*from www.dogbitelaw.com