Ten Tips for Avoiding Dog Bites

1.  Always ask permission before you approach any dog and owner.  This applies to those both on and off the leash.

2.  Don't enter a strange yard to go chasing after a ball or to check a meter.  Kids should knock on the door and ask permission first.   Otherwise, bang on the gate and yell over the fence to see if any dog comes out to investigate.

3.  Never leave kids alone with a dog.  Always have adult supervision.

4.  Don't ever make quick moves around an animal.

5.  Don't reach out to pet a dog.  Extend your hand out with the palm down and fingers together and let the dog approach you if they want to sniff and say hello.  If not, don't push your luck.

6.  Don't lean forward over a dog to pet it.   Lower yourself amd hold your hand out at dog chest level - let the dog signal you that it is okay to pet it.  (You can crouch and rest your arm on your knee with your hand just over the knee.)

7.  Don't look an aggressive animal in the eye.

8.  Don't tease any animal.

9.  Always control your animal with a leash.   If you are not sure of a situation, or if the person nearby is fearful, move yourself back; as you move back, the dog moves back with you and it won't be a struggle to restrain your pet.

10.  If you have an animal that is hard to control, go to dog school and put your animal into a head halter device.