Some people love dogs. Some people really don't. But what often concerns me about people on both side of that fence is that even many of the people who live their lives with dogs don't recognize some of the important canine communication dogs display through body language. Not understanding and responding appropriately to these signals can sometimes lead to unfortunate situations with other dogs and humans, especially with children.

Sometimes we miss signs that a dog is becoming uncomfortable with a child's actions. When a dog bites a child, human witnesses often say the dog "bit without warning" although they might have seen it coming had they understood canine body language better, and they may even have been able to prevent it.

Sometimes the danger is not only to the child, but also to the dog's trust in children. Children aren't always as gentle as a dog needs them to be, and that can be painful and frightening to a dog--especially a small dog. One ore more of these experiences can cause a dog to begin to mistrust children--which can lead to aggressive behavior towards children. Rebuilding a dog's trust in children and undoing emotions that underly aggression can be tough, time-consuming work.

So, when the Maynard Dog Owners Group (MAYDOG) invited me to give a presentation about kids, dogs and safety at their farmer's market booth this summer, I jumped at the opportunity to share information that can help prevent unfortunate interactions between children and dogs.

Below are a few of the basic tips I'll be presenting at MAYDOG's event on Saturday, August 1 at the Maynard Farmer's market (Mill Pond Parking Lot, Clock Tower Place, Main Street /Rt. 62, Maynard) at 10:00 am & 11:00 am.

Please feel free to bring your children along to participate in this fun, interactive presentation involving role playing, looking at pictures and practicing petting with a stuffed animal dog. We'll have coloring books, handouts and stickers for kids to take home.

Also below are some tips for dog owners who are approached by children who want to pet their dog.

KIDS - when you want to meet someone's dog:

* Look quickly at the dog's ears, tail, body, mouth and eyes to see if the dog looks like it would LIKE to say hello right now. Do NOT stare into the dogs eyes! This makes many dogs very nervous!

* All of these signals from a dog mean "please give me space, I'm not comfortable right now." Ears way back, tail between legs, licking lips a lot, panting heavily, stiff body, showing the whites of the eyes, pacing...These are not all of the signals, but some of the most common ones which are easy to see. If a dog is wrinkling it's nose, showing you its teeth or growling, that's a very clear signal to stay away!

* If the dog looks like it WANTS to say "hello," ask your parent for permission. If your parent is not there, stay away. Don't talk to strangers even if their cute dog looks friendly!

* If your parent says "yes," ask the dog's owner if you may meet their dog.

* If the owner says "yes," ASK THE DOG! Dogs don't speak human, so let's ask using our body language. Don't look the dog in the eyes. DO close your hand into a fist and hold it out for the dog to sniff.

* Is the dog still loose and wiggly and relaxed? Or is the dog giving "not today" signals now? If the dog begins to look uncomfortable, don't feel sad. This dog may just be scared or uncomfortable--it doesn't mean the dog doesn't like you. It may just mean "let's not say hello today." But it's important to give a dog space if he asks for it. That's safe and polite.

* If the dog DOES want to say hello, you can open your hand and pet the dog with slow and gentle strokes-this can help a dog to relax and not get too excited or bouncy. If the dog begins to look uncomfortable or starts to get excited and bouncy, stop and slowly walk far away.

DOG OWNERS:

* When a child asks to pet your dog, really watch your dog's body language. Does your dog want to be petted? I've often heard people say that their dog loves meeting children, but seen with my eyes that the dog is only tolerating the petting. You know your own dog-your dog may put up with a lot! But is it fair to make them get petted when they aren't really enjoying the interaction?

* You don't have to let every child who asks pet your dog. Some children are frightening to some dogs. Protect your dog. Expose your dog only to positive experiences with children and you'll be less likely to end up with a dog who ever feels the need to behave aggressively around children.

* Teach your dog to sit or lie down for greetings. This will help your dog to refrain from jumping up on children. If your dog begins to move into a different position, and certainly if the dog becomes more wiggly and bouncy, ask the child to step away BEFORE your dog is tempted to jump. If you think this child may not move quickly enough, just say "excuse me" and take your dog back a few steps to calm down again.

* Don't reward children who run up and pet your dog without permission by letting them continue. Tell them it's always important to ask permission before petting someone's dog. Your dog may pose no threat at all, but the child may not be as lucky with someone else's dog if their habit continues.

* Don't let children who aren't accompanied by an adult pet your dog. Sometimes misunderstandings occur when a child reports back to a parent (for example, "he nibbled my finger" turns into "that dog bit me!" Only let children pet your dog when they are being supervised by a parent or guardian who has given them permission to come say hello.

* When you do let children meet your dog, use the interaction as a way to teach them something about canine body language and how to be safe around dogs. Children who love dogs and have good, safe experiences with them grow into adults who love dogs...and that's good for all of us!

For more information about keeping kids and dogs safe together, visit: http://www.doggonesafe.com .

For more on the Maynard Dog Owners Group (MAYDOG), Click Here!