Wednesday, October 17, 2007
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
(414) 431-6104 aspeed@wihumane.org

Smart Tips to Keep Them Safe

Kids and Dogs

The Ozaukee Humane Society wants every child to be safe this school year, especially during Halloween, and offers these suggestions for parents to educate their children about dogs. Kids often come up to the cute and fuzzy canine wandering down the sidewalk without taking the right approach. Please share these tips with your children about what to do when encountering dogs.

What to Do:

• Ask a dog’s guardian if it’s okay to pet the dog. Not every dog likes kids or strangers.
• If permission is granted, let the dog come to you.
• Hold your hand out to the dog. Let him sniff your hand thoroughly to get to know you, then gently pet him under the chin, not on top of his head.
• Speak in a soft, soothing voice that relaxes and does not challenge the dog.
• If you see a stray dog or a dog acting strangely, tell an adult. Avoid contact with the animal.
• Be still “like a tree” if a strange dog approaches you. If you run, the dog may chase you.
• If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball, cover your head like a turtle in a shell, keep your face down, and stay still.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Don’t stare a dog right in the eye. It may be challenging to the dog and may encourage a dominant animal to challenge you back, i.e. bite.
• Don’t pet a dog who is behind a fence, on a chain or in a car. Many dogs are territorial; he may consider the yard or car his territory.
• Don’t disturb a dog who is caring for puppies. Mother dogs are naturally protective of their young.
• Don’t take a dog’s toy unless the dog brings it to you. Dogs can be possessive of toys.
• Don’t play with a dog without letting her see and sniff you first, even if she is with her owner. She needs to smell you to get to know you.
• Don’t run from a dog. It activates the dog’s chase instinct.

# # #

Media Contact: To schedule a time to talk with a representative from OHS, please call (262)377-7580.