Spring is here!  Soon temperatures will rise and everyone will once again be outside more often.  Do your children know what to do when they see a dog outside that they may or may not know?  Here are some tips to teach your children:

•Always walk slowly to the dog’s owner to ask if you can pet the dog.  If the owner says “yes”, curl your hand into a closed fist with the back of your hand facing upward.  Extend your hand slowly to the dog.  Allow the dog to sniff the back of your hand before you pet the dog.  Tell your child that dogs recognize people by the scent, so they sniff people to learn their scent.

• Respect a dog’s space and do not reach for the dog’s toy.
• Dogs are protective of their food dishes.  Wait until they are done eating or drinking before you pet the dog.
• Dogs are territorial.  When a dog is inside a car, behind a fence or tied out in a yard, leave the dog alone.
• “Let sleeping dogs lie” is a good rule.  Do not sneak up or surprise a dog.

(taken from the American Kennel Club)