Mother, may I? Rule number one: Ask the owner’s permission before petting a strange dog. Don't make eye contact at first, approach slowly and quietly, and allow the dog to sniff the back of your hand. Pet the dog’s sides or back gently, but not his/her head.

They think they own everything. Stay away from any dog who may be protecting something. That means not petting dogs who are eating, playing with a toy, tied to runs, fenced in, or in cars.

Dogs hate surprises. Never pet a sleeping dog and never sneak up to play.

It’s all in the body language. Tell kids that animals use their whole bodies to tell us how they are feeling, and when dogs tell us they’re angry or scared, we must leave them alone. Angry dogs try to make themselves look big by puffing up their ears, fur, and tail. Scared dogs do the opposite, shrinking to the ground with tail between their legs and ears back.

Prepare for the worst. If a dog growls or chases you, be still and quiet. Stand with your hands at your sides (like a tree). If you’re playing on the ground, lie down with your knees into your stomach and hands over your ears (like a rock). Use backpacks or bikes as shields. Avoid eye contact, which is often viewed by dogs as a threat.

Don’t play rough. In games like tug of war, dogs may bite by accident.

Don’t go it alone. If you find an injured dog, get your parent(s) or another adult you know to help.