Preventing dog bites.

1. Children should ask permission from a dog's owner before petting the dog. This will address any problems and allow the dog's owner to tell the children that the dog simply isn't friendly enough for that.

2. Don't stare into a dog's eyes. This is true for adults who want to avoid confrontations with dogs, as well. While it might seem good to gain "dominance" psychologically over a dog, this little trick can actually stir up aggression and insecurity in a dog that needs to feel dominant.

3. Don't interrupt a dog while it's sleeping or eating, or pet them from behind if you've never met them. Even friendly dogs can get the wrong idea if you don't let them "meet" you first by sniffing you and getting a good look at you.

4. Don't help dogs that are injured - get an adult instead. Children might be tempted to help injured dogs, but they most likely won't be able to do much to actually help it. They can avoid any potential behavior problems simply by consulting an adult.

5. Avoid dogs that are behind fences or on leashes. Especially don't tease these types of dogs - while it might seem that a child is protected because a dog is restrained in some way, there's no accounting for an unlocked fence door or another potential situation that might occur that didn't need to.

6. Strange dogs can feed off of aggression, so let your children know that it's important to remain calm even in the face of danger. Doing this will also help prevent panic and create the right state of mind to find the right solution to a potential problem.

7. Don't go for a dog's puppies while the dog is caring for them. One of the most dangerous ways to incite aggression in an animal is to be perceived as going for that animal's children. That's why you'll want to generally let a dog who is spending time with its puppies be - this is especially true for children who might not know how to send the mother or father the right message.

Photo Credits: ratterrell

Is your dog shy?

The first principle to remember is progressive exposure. Unleashing a shy dog into an unstable element - like a pack of strange dogs - is not the best idea in the world. Why? Your dog isn't prepared for it, and the uncomfortable or even violent situation that could potentially erupt might simply make the problem worse. You want to show your dog that being social is not something to be afraid of, and you do this by exposing your dog to social situations on a progressive basis.

What does this mean? It means you start small and work your way up from there. For example, you can start by simply regularly taking your dog out for a walk - not necessarily interacting with others, but merely getting used to the presence of strange people and strange dogs. If you already walk your dog, obviously you'll want to start a step above and beyond this.

You can work your way up to regular parks, and then dog parks. When your dog has developed the confidence to stay relaxed in a certain type of situation - and you notice that your dog is able to consistently be relaxed every time you take the dog to that situation - you'll want to think about the next step.

Eventually, your dog should have broken through several barriers. Hopefully you'll notice that your dog is more relaxed around strangers. In order to reinforce good social behavior, reward your dog every time it is relaxed around strangers and strange dogs. Don't bribe your dog - simply produce a treat once you notice your dog is behaving the way you'd like.

Your dog will get the hint and eventually should associate being social with rewards. Congratulations! You should have a more confident and assertive dog on your hands.

Photo Credits: ♡Blackangelツ