How to Greet a Dog

There are a few steps to remember when meeting and greeting a dog. Always ask permission to pet a dog when it is on a leash and with its owner. Never greet a loose dog without an owner.

Even if you know the dog and are friends with its owner, it’s important to remember and follow this plan.

1. Always walk slowly to the dog’s owner to ask if you can pet the dog.
2. It’s important to receive permission before petting the dog. If the owner says “no,” politely accept the answer, and don’t pet the dog.
3. 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.
4. Allow the dog to sniff the back of your hand. We recognize people on sight; dogs recognize people by their scent. Dog’s sniff people to learn their scent.
5. After the dog has sniffed your hand and become familiar with you, pet it gently under the chin or on the chest.

Now It’s Your Turn – Drop a Tip in the Jar!

Please review the following safety tips with your children.

Students:

• Refuse anything from strangers, including money, gifts or rides.
• Keep a safe distance from strangers and don’t give a stranger directions or help. Adults need to get assistance from other adults.
• Take the same route to and from school everyday and be able to identify houses along the way of people you know and that are home during the time you’re walking to and from school.
• Be able to identify “McGruff” houses in the event there’s not a house nearby of anyone you know.
• Report to an adult, any suspicious or threatening behavior. The first priority should be your safety. If possible try to remember details about what the person looked like.
• If someone approaches you, run away and yell loudly to get the attention of others.
• If you are close to school and feel unsafe, you should return to the main doors of the school.

Parents:

• Know where your child is at all times.
• Know your child’s friends’ phone numbers and addresses.
• Teach your child “code” words to use if someone else is picking them up.
• Talk with your child about “good touch, bad touch.”
• Closely monitor your child if they use a public restroom.
• Know were sex offenders live in your neighborhood.
• Obtain a DNA kit from the Sheriff’s office or have a sample of hair stored somewhere.
• Talk with your child about predators and the tricks they may use.

Now It’s Your Turn – Drop a Tip in the Jar!

An estimated 260 children under the age of five drown each year in residential swimming pools. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommend to NEVER:

• Leave children unattended for ANY reason–not even for a second.
• Rely on swimming lessons or flotation devices to protect children.
• Leave steps or ladders that allow access to above-ground pools when unsupervised.
• Swim with the pool cover partially in place.
• Swim when the drain cover is broken or missing.
• Allow access to an unsupervised pool. Fence in the pool completely and install self-closing, self-latching gates. Follow all local ordinances about fencing. Consider adding a door alarm if your home provides one side of the pool barrier.

Now It’s Your Turn — Drop a Tip in the Jar!

Different dogs have different personalities – just like people. Some are friendly, some are not. It is important to know that while MOST dogs will never bite, even the cutest and most cuddly CAN.

It is estimated that more than 4 million dog bites occur in the United States each and every year. Over 500,000 of these bites require medical attention. Approximately 60% of all bite victims are children.

Fortunately, most dog bites can be prevented. Here are some safety tips for you to remember. This is a refresher of what we have been discussing for the last couple of weeks. Be sure and read both pages, ok?

Tips to keep your dog from biting.
Tips to keep your dog from biting you.

Now it’s your turn – drop a tip in the jar!
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NEVER ride your bike or run past a dog. Dogs love to chase and catch things.

NEVER disturb a dog that’s eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.

NEVER tease a dog. If a dog snarls or growls, he is warning you to stay away. Step back!

ALWAYS ask permission from a dog’s owner before petting a dog. NEVER approach a dog you don’t know.

NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with ANY dog.

REMEMBER, if you are threatened by a dog, REMAIN CALM. DON’T SCREAM. DON’T RUN. Speak softly but firmly to the dog, saying things like “good boy.” Avoid eye contact and stay still until the dog leaves, or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.

AND, if a dog attacks you and you are knocked to the ground, curl up into a ball with your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.

Last week we talked about tips to keep your dog from biting.

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Pick Your Pet Wisely – Sure he’s cute, but that doesn’t mean he’s the right pet. Visit with a trained Adoption Counselor or breeder and find out all you can about his individual personality and the characteristic traits of his breed. If possible, meet his parents. Then decide if this particular pup is the right one. If not, keep looking!

Train AND Socialize Your Pet – A well trained dog is more reliable. In addition, give your pet the opportunity to get used to lots of different people, places and things. This process called socialization will help your dog to feel at ease and therefore less likely to bite.

Neuter Your Pet – It’s a fact. NEUTERED DOGS ARE LESS LIKELY TO BITE! And, your dog will live a healthier life.

Give Your Pet A Proper Home – Whenever possible, DO NOT chain your dog. Provide adequate fencing to keep your pet in – and others out! A crate inside the house or a doghouse in the backyard, will give your pet a private place to “get away” from stressful situations.

Keep Your Pet Healthy – A sick animal can be unpredictable. Keep vaccinations up to date and take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups.

Next Tuesday we’ll talk about tips to keep a dog from biting you!

Now it’s your turn – drop a tip in the jar!
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