Learning DOG SAFE
One dog expert has come up with an easy way for kids to remember seven tips to
prevent dog bites. It spells "DOG SAFE."
D: Don't Tease, Please
O: Only Pet With
Permission
G: Give Space
S: Slow Down
A: Always Get Help
F:
Fingers Together
E: Even Good Dogs Can Bite
Let's talk a little bit about each one of these.
Don't Tease, Please: Teasing a dog can make it angry or frustrated
enough to bite. For instance, if a dog has food or a toy, never try
to take it away. You wouldn't like it if someone grabbed your snack while you were
eating it!
Only Pet With Permission: Never pet a dog without asking the owner
if it's OK. Some dogs don't like to be touched by strangers. And don't try to pet
a stray dog.
Give Space: Little kids especially might run right up to a cute
dog and try to pet it or give it a hug. But dogs need space. Crowding a dog can frighten
or anger the dog.
Slow Down: Some dogs like to chase and bite. Of course, you don't
want to be chased or bitten! The way to avoid it is to go slow around dogs. Never
run toward them or away from them. If a dog you don't know runs toward you, freeze.
If you need to get away, back up slowly.
Always Get Help: It can be tempting to bring home a dog that seems
lost or injured. But animals who are lost or injured may be very frightened or in
pain. Find a grown-up instead who can decide how to care for the animal.
Fingers Together: When feeding a dog a treat, put the treat in
the palm of your hand and keep your fingers and thumb close together. Why? The dog
is less likely to get confused about which is the treat — the doggie snack or
your finger!
Even Good Dogs Can Bite: Some people are very surprised when their
dog bites someone, but all dogs can bite. Avoid doing things that make dogs scared
or angry, such as backing them into a corner or bothering them when they are sleeping.
Also learn the warning signs that a dog may bite, such as growling, backing up, or
curling its lip.