To prevent upsetting or even tragic situations resulting from active children encountering strange dogs, teach your children these rules about how to behave around dogs. Dogs do not like to be teased. Stay away from dogs that are chained or in fenced yards. Do not shout, run around, or stick hands at dogs through fences or open car windows. Never approach a strange dog.
Dogs are possessive about certain things.
Do not grab things like bones, balls or other pet toys from a dog. Never stick your hand into a dog fight. Find an adult to help. Know what an angry dog looks like. Barking, growling, snarling with teeth showing, ears laid flat, legs stiff, tail up, and hair standing up on a dog's back are warning signs.