Dog Bite Prevention Week

It is National Dog Bite Prevention Week!
When greeting a dog, there are some steps you can take to help keep yourself safe and make the experience pleasant for the dog.

• Step 1: Children should first ask their parent or guardian if it is okay to pet the dog. 
  
• Step 2: Ask the dog's owner or handler if it is okay to greet/pet their dog. 
  
• Step 3: Often omitted, the most important step is to ASK THE DOG if s/he would like to be touched. 

• Stand near the dog, with your body sideways and your hand presented for the dog to sniff. I generally suggest a closed, relaxed hand. 
  
• Allow the dog to choose to approach you. 
  
• Let me say that again: ALLOW THE DOG TO CHOOSE TO APPROACH YOU. 
  
• If the dog does not approach and initiate contact, say "thank you," and move on.  
  
• If the dog moves in and initiates physical contact, then you can respond with petting and praise.