• Teach your children to act tall around pets, both yours and others.  Young children are about the same size as pets and may be seen as littermates rather than someone they need to respect.  Have your children practice making themselves ‘bigger’ by standing or sitting taller and speaking in a lower and descending tone of voice.  Likewise, squealing and rapid movements should always be avoided around pets.

• The old method of holding out your hand for a dog to sniff has been thrown out the window.  A dog doesn’t need an extended hand as he can smell you from several feet away.  Neither dogs nor cats respond well when people wave their hands around and in fact, an extended hand could be seen as a threat.  Teach your children to stand still with their arms at their sides when meeting a new dog and to let the dog approach them.  Avoid eye contact and never meet face on.  Only once a dog has initiated contact with you via a gentle rub or nuzzle should you offer affection to him.  If the dog isn’t very interested and wanders away, let him go.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

The tips provided in this section will have varying results depending on each situation.  As always, consult your veterinarian before administering ANY medications or products to your pet.  DO NOT use these tips as a substitute for proper or vital veterinary care.