Being safe around dogs
When meeting or engaging with a dog, children should:
- Ask the owner for permission before approaching or patting an unfamiliar dog;
- Approach any dog slowly, hold out your arm but keep it low with the back of your closed hand facing the dog;
- Stroke the dog gently on the chest, shoulder or back;
- Stand still if being approached by a strange dog;
- Do not run, squeal or scream around a dog;
- Do not touch a dog that lifts its lips, bares its teeth, snarls, growls, snaps or raises the hair on the back of its neck or back;
- Leave dogs alone when they are eating, sleeping or playing with their toys.