Hi kids!

Lots of you probably like animals, especially dogs. We can be fun to play with and have as pets. But there are times when you do things that upset us and make us bite! This is a bad situation for everyone - you can get hurt and get us dogs in a heap of trouble!

So here's some stuff we think you should know when you're around dogs so we can all get along - and nobody gets hurt!

Select me carefully.

Don't just pick me from my litter because I'm cute! Look at my parents. Know how big I'll be when I'm an adult, and decide if you'll still love me then.

Train me.

I'm smart, but I'll keep testing my limits. I can be trained, but it takes time. Take me places when I'm young so I get used to being around people and activities.

Fence me, don't chain me!

So where do you think the expression, "At the end of my rope," comes from? We don't like being tied up all the time. We'd rather have a small area fencing us in - and keeping others out.

Give me privacy!

A crate in the house or a doghouse in the backyard can be my place to get away from it all. That means no children or adults allowed! Stay out of my food dish, especially when I'm eating. It's mine!

Read my lips.

If I snarl or growl, step back right away. It means I don't like what's happening. My bark is also a warning to stay away.

Stand still!

If I approach you, be a stick tree. If you can, back up to a tree or car and keep facing me. Don't run or scream, but if you need to, call for help. Let me sniff you but keep your hands at your side.

Don't leave me alone with little kids.

Listen up parents! You don't know what your kids might do to me! I have strong, self-protection instincts that are hard to control. Don't take chances.

Don't tease me.

If you tease me through a fence or door, my natural instincts take over. I don't like it! If you play tug-of-war with me as play, I may think I can tug on anything I can grab - coats, toys or an arm.

Don't surprise me.

How would you like it if you were sleeping and something as big as you jumped on your belly? It's NOT okay to jump on me. If I growl, back off!

Always ask.

Please ask my owner if it's okay to approach me. I might look huggable, but I might not like kids.

Get off your bike.

If I chase you, STOP, dismount and keep your bike between yourself and me. Without something to chase, I may lose interest. Call for help if you need it.

Keep me healthy.

Remember my shots and regular check-ups with my veterinarian.

More Important Stuff

• Avoid direct eye contact with me. Glance at me but don't stare.
• Stay out of my yard. Don't open gates or even think about approaching a strange dog when its owner is not around.
• Speak to me in a calm voice. Try to give a command like "Go home" or "Down."
• If attacked, "feed" the dog something like a jacket or book bag.
• If a dog bites you, tell your parents immediately, then see a doctor. Report all bites to the police or the animal control department.

Don't litter!

Control the pet population - Mom and Dad should have pets spayed or neutered.

These recommendations were developed using generally accepted safety standards. Compliance with these recommendations is not a guarantee that you will be in conformance with any building code, federal, state or local regulation regarding safety or fire. Compliance with these recommendations does not ensure the absolute safety of your occupation, business or residence. It is the property owner’s duty to warn any tenants or occupants of the property of any safety hazards that may exist.