Safety

Safety Around Animals

To avoid being bitten, remember some basic hints. And parents, remind your children!

• Be a tree! Stand still. Cross your hands in front of your chest. Don't run or yell.
• Don't stare right at a dog who comes up to you. Watch him out of the corner of your eye.
• If a dog chases you, stop. Don't scream. Cross your hands in front of your chest. Then walk away slowly backwards.
• If a dog chases you on your bike, stop, get off your bike, and put your bike between you and the dog.
• Be careful going up to dogs you don't know. Not all dogs are friendly.
• If you have permission to pet someone else's dog, don't run up to the dog or grab the dog. Walk up slowly and quietly and let the dog sniff your hand first. Then pet the dog gently under the chin.
• Don't treat a strange dog like your own - your own dog may permit you to do things that frighten or anger a dog who doesn't know you.
• Don't play rough with any dog.
• If a dog growls at you, or if it moves away, don't chase after it.
• Don't frighten or startle a dog, especially when it's sleeping.
• Don't try to take a toy or food away from a dog.
• Don't try to pet a dog through a fence, car window, or cage.
• Don't try to punish a dog. Never hit at one.
• Remember that sometimes cats bite and scratch.