How to Keep Safe
Keeping Safe
Don't Bother Dogs
Any Dog Can Bite

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A dog that is running loose without an owner is a stray.

Keeping Safe:

Stray Dogs

Strays can be at the beach.
Stray dogs are dogs that are running loose, without an owner, or homeless.
Strays can be large or small. Any dog can be a stray.
Strays can be big dogs.

 

Most strays are pets that have gotten out of their houses or yards.
Often, stray dogs are lost or abandoned (homeless)
and they have no one to care for them.
Strays are usually hungry, thirsty, lonely, and sometimes hurt.

 

Stray dogs are scared.

Why are stray animals a problem?

Stray animals can carry and spread disease.

They may bite people.

They can cause traffic accidents.

 

Now you know why stray dogs are a problem. Don't stop to play with a homeless dog, because you could get hurt. Here's what you should do if you are approached by a stray dog:

If you are standing:

Be a tree. Stand still like a tree. Hold your branches (your arms) close to your side or fold them across your chest, and don't move. Look down at your roots (feet).

You are making your body into the shape of a tree. Don't run away and especially don't move your arms. Let the dog sniff you if he wants. Don't stare at the dog's eyes.

When the dog goes away, you may back up slowly so you can still watch him.
 

If you are lying down, or have been knocked down by a dog:

Act like a stone. Cover your face and head with your arms, keep your legs together, and pull your knees up. You are making your body into the shape of a stone or a big ball. Don't get up and don't move until the dog has gone away.

Be a Tree when a dog is bothering you.

Be a stone if you are on the ground when a dog bothers you.

 

Never run way from a dog.
If you run, the dog will chase you.
If you stand still, he will probably sniff you, and then go away.

 

Call for help when you see a stray dog.
After the dog has gone, tell an adult right away so they can call the Department of Animal Control (dog-catcher).
You will be helping the dog get off the streets into a safe place.

 

Remember!
Be a Tree or Act like a Stone

Wild animals can be dangerous.

Extra Note:
Leave wild animals alone!
They look cute and cuddly, but they may bite if you touch them.

 

 

Excellent Safety
Video
for Kids!

dogs, cats, kids

Dogs, Cats, and Kids (grades 4 to 8), and
Dogs, Cats & BIG Kids” (grades 4 to 8)
available in VHS or DVD
“Should be required viewing for all families with young children – whether they own a pet or not.”
Steve Dale, Chicago Tribune

Dogs, Cats & Kids is recommended by Parents Choice, the Humane Society of the United States, leading pediatricians, educators, and pet care professionals. It was tested and proven in a study at Johns Hopkins University and a pilot program with more than 10,000 children (see “Results.”)

In just 27 entertaining minutes, this fun video shows children how animals think and behave, and how they should behave around animals.

“An excellent primer that may help a child
avert injury.”
The Seattle Times

 

cover

A Dog Called Kitty, by Bill Wallace, New York: Holiday House 1992 reprint of 1980 book.
Ricky wants to help a starving stray dog that has been wandering around his yard, but after having been bitten by a dog when he was younger, he is frightened to befriend the lonely puppy.This great story is good for ages 9-12. Kids love this book!

RUSTY'S RIDICULOUS RIDDLES

What do you call it when a dog does a TV commercial?

a Paws for the Cause...

 

Thank you to Mira, age 16, of Wisconsin USA for this clever riddle!

 

Go to other safety topics:

1. Don't bother dogs. (Click for lots more!)

 

2. Any dog can bite. (Click for lots more!)

 

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How to Keep Safe
Keeping Safe
Don't Bother Dogs
Any Dog Can Bite

 

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