STAY SAFE WITH DOGS

The Dogs Trust ran a campaign recently 'Be Dog Smart', the logo and campaign information we are showing below. It is an easy and straightforward list of recommendations on how to be safe around ALL dogs, including family pets.
Children should be taught that there are certain rules when dealing with dogs.
There are some worrying videos and pictures on social media sites that show young babies or toddlers lying on dogs, pulling their lips up, grabbing their ears or eyelids, and some think it is cute. IT ISNT!!!
Allowing children to treat a dog like this can be a recipe for disaster. Even the most placid dog will have its limit and children need to be shown and taught how to stay safe around a dog.
They should be told that waking a sleeping dog, disturbing it when it is eating, or has a toy etc, can lead to problems.
Approaching a dog if it is unwell, has pain or has just settled for a rest should never be done and they should leave it alone.
Grabbing a dog to give it hugs, cuddles etc is lovely for the child but there has to be a limit and the dog needs protecting from excessive attention
A dog needs some peace and quiet sometimes, just like children and adults do, and all the family has a responsibility to provide it.
The main general rule though must always be that a child should ALWAYS be supervised when with a dog, even the family pet.
Beware of disturbing sleeping or eating dogs.
Even for fun, don't tease a dog.
Don't approach a dog with no owner around.
Only stroke a dog with owners permission.
Get the dog to sniff your hand first, then stroke gently.
Strange dog approaching? Stand still, look away and cross your arms.
Move calmly and quietly around any dog.
All that hugging and kissing? You might like it, dogs don't.
Remember all dogs have teeth.
Treat dogs with respect
Children should be taught that there are certain rules when dealing with dogs.
There are some worrying videos and pictures on social media sites that show young babies or toddlers lying on dogs, pulling their lips up, grabbing their ears or eyelids, and some think it is cute. IT ISNT!!!
Allowing children to treat a dog like this can be a recipe for disaster. Even the most placid dog will have its limit and children need to be shown and taught how to stay safe around a dog.
They should be told that waking a sleeping dog, disturbing it when it is eating, or has a toy etc, can lead to problems.
Approaching a dog if it is unwell, has pain or has just settled for a rest should never be done and they should leave it alone.
Grabbing a dog to give it hugs, cuddles etc is lovely for the child but there has to be a limit and the dog needs protecting from excessive attention
A dog needs some peace and quiet sometimes, just like children and adults do, and all the family has a responsibility to provide it.
The main general rule though must always be that a child should ALWAYS be supervised when with a dog, even the family pet.
Beware of disturbing sleeping or eating dogs.
Even for fun, don't tease a dog.
Don't approach a dog with no owner around.
Only stroke a dog with owners permission.
Get the dog to sniff your hand first, then stroke gently.
Strange dog approaching? Stand still, look away and cross your arms.
Move calmly and quietly around any dog.
All that hugging and kissing? You might like it, dogs don't.
Remember all dogs have teeth.
Treat dogs with respect