Dog bites are a common problem across the US. Children under the age of 10 are especially vulnerable to these injuries, particularly boys between the ages of 5 and 9. The reason for this is twofold: children are less likely to know how to safely play with dogs, and due to their small size, they can be hurt much worse than adults if a dog does attack them. Whether you have a family dog in your own home, are planning to get one, or simply live in a neighborhood with dogs, it is very important to make sure your children know how to safely interact with humans' best friend.

Playing with a Dog

The first rule of canine play, of course, is that children should stay away from unknown dogs. If you do not know about a dog's temperament or vaccination history, he or she may be a very dangerous companion for small children. Before introducing your child to a new family dog, or a friend's pet, review the rules of safe play with him or her. These include:

• Do not approach a dog unless he or she is receptive. A dog who wants attention will approach you with his or her tongue hanging out, a relaxed posture, and ears at their normal resting position. If a dog looks tense, walks away from you, puts his or her ears back, or shows any signs of aggression, he or she is telling you to leave him or her alone.
  
  
• Be gentle with dogs. Do not lie on them, hit them, drag them around, or hug them tightly. These actions can be uncomfortable for dogs, who may even be provoked into biting if they are not given their personal space.
  
  
• Avoid games that encourage the dog to chase you. Even a sweet and well-behaved dog can get caught up in the excitement of a chasing game and may accidentally hurt a child. Fetch is a much safer alternative.
  

Discipline for both dogs and children is an important part of preventing injuries. If your child will not obey the safety rules, separate him or her from the dog right away.

Approaching a Dog

When meeting a dog for the first time, it is important to follow the right procedure. This entails:

• Ask the owner for permission before approaching the dog. If the owner is not around, leave the dog alone. If you want to help a stray dog, always find an adult.
  
  
• If the dog looks friendly (relaxed, tongue out) offer him or her your hand - with the fingers curled in to make a fist. Let him or her sniff your hand. If the dog does not look friendly, or walks way after sniffing your hand, leave him or her alone.
  
  
• If the dog is willing to be pet, gently stroke his or her back. Do not touch his or her face or mouth, and do not handle him or her roughly.
  

Following some basic safety tips can greatly reduce your child's risk for major injuries. If you would like more information about animal attacks and the law, contact San Antonio dog bite lawyers [http://www.stouwiemayo.com/practice-areas/san-antonio-dog-bite-lawyers/] Stouwie & Mayo.