Tips for kids and canines

• Always ask a dog’s owner if you may pet the dog. Some dogs shouldn’t be touched.

• Approach a dog from the front or side––not from behind. Hold your hands low and speak softly.

• Don’t interfere when a dog is eating and never put your hands between a dog’s mouth and his bowl.

• Avoid teasing, rough wrestling, or tug-of-war games. Dogs may get too enthusiastic and forget you are not a dog.

• Never try to break up a dogfight. Trying to separate fighting dogs may make them more excited, and they might turn on you or accidentally bite you.