Kids and dogs.. Parents please educate them.

There’s something bothering me and something every parent should know and do:

- DON’T just let your child go up to any dog and pet it without asking.

- DON’T let your child grab a dog you don’t know.

- DON’T let your child pick up a dog you don’t know.

- DON’T let your child put their face by a dogs face they don’t know.

- DON’T let the child reach out their hand on top of the dogs head.

instead:

- Always have your child ask the person if they can pet their dog. Even if already other children or people are petting it.

- Always supervise your child with an unknown dog.

- Always tell your child to not pick up an unknown dog.

- Always tell your children to be gentle.

- Always tell your children to keep their faces away from the dog’s face.

- Always tell the children to let the dog smell your hand first and then let them continue by petting them UNDER the chin.

I have 3 dogs myself and dog sit many more. And all too often I have parents tell their children “go pet the doggie” and then continue to do something else themselves. The next thing, the child runs up to my dog(s) and sticks out their hands and sometimes even tries to pick them up or cuddle and kiss them on the face.

My dogs are fine with it, but not every dog is! And just because a dog likes one child, does mean he will like the other child. Also, sometimes dogs can play bite out of excitement, especially when a hyperactive child comes up to them.

Please parents, educate your children on how to approach animals! It’s for their safety!