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Teaching Your Child to Be Safe Around Dogs
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Ensuring your child's safety around dogs begins with education and communication. Here are essential principles to instill in your child:
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Always Ask Permission: Teach your child to seek the dog owner's permission before approaching any dog.
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Let the Dog Approach: Encourage your child to let the dog come to them and sniff before attempting to pat.
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Pat Under, Not Over: Instruct your child to pat the dog under the head, such as the front of its chest, avoiding patting over the head to prevent any discomfort or misunderstanding.
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Avoid Eye Contact: Teach your child not to stare directly into a dog's eyes, as dogs might interpret this as a threat.
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Respect a Dog's 'Territory': Explain to your child not to reach into a dog's 'territory,' such as through car windows, gates, or fences, to prevent any unexpected reactions.
Chat Before You Pat™ Rhyme:
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These principles are encapsulated in our simple yet effective rhyme:
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Chat before you pat,
Talk to the owner,
Don't stare into their eyes,
Pat under not over.
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This easy-to-remember rhyme reinforces crucial safety guidelines when interacting with dogs.
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Further Tips for Parents:
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Supervision is Key: Always supervise interactions between your child and dogs, even those familiar to your family.
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Teach to Recognize Dog Cues: Educate your child about signs of a dog's discomfort or stress, such as growling, baring teeth, or backing away.
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Education through Books and Games: Utilize children's books or interactive games that focus on dog safety to reinforce these principles in an engaging way.
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Positive Encounters: Encourage positive interactions with dogs under safe circumstances, reinforcing the principles learned.
Chat Before You Pat™ Resources
Explore our resources, including informative videos, engaging activities, and downloadable materials, designed to further educate both parents and children on safe interactions with dogs.
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Feel free to view the Chat Before You Pat Rhyme below for a quick recap:
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Chat Before You Pat™ Learning Centre
The Chat Before You Pat™ Learning Centre is a section of the website containing kid-friendly videos and other resources that you can use to teach your child how to be safe around dogs.
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