Your kitchen pantry may contain several natural herbs and spices that can improve your dog's health. Rather than spending hundreds of dollars on expensive supplements, you can improve your dog's health with these three simple ingredients you probably already have.   One of the best natural supplements for your dog is turmeric. This rhizome is grown native to India and is an important part of Ayurvedic medicine.  For centuries, turmeric has been used as an anti-inflammatory medicine, helping with inflammation due to both acute and chronic injuries and diseases. Turmeric has also been proven scientifically to work as an antiviral, antibacterial and detoxifying supplement. Turmeric can be used to alleviate cancer, arthritis, heart disease and liver disease. The general turmeric dosage for pets is ¼ teaspoon per day per 10 pounds of body weight.   Ginger has long been known to ease upset stomachs and motion sickness in humans. This common pantry spice can also help your pet's nausea and digestive upset. Ginger is in the same family as turmeric, so helps some of the same conditions as turmeric, including arthritis, cancer and other inflammatory conditions.  The recommended dosage for pets is 100mg of ground ginger per 25 pounds of body weight.   Like turmeric, cinnamon is a common Ayurvedic medicine.  Cinnamon is primarily used for digestive issues, such as gas, diarrhea and upset stomach. Cinnamon can also be a great supplement for dogs with diabetes, as it helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. Dogs with arthritis or other chronic conditions may also benefit from cinnamon, as it works as an anti-inflammatory medication.  It's important to use Ceylon cinnamon, which is considered to be "true cinnamon." The general dosage for pets is a pinch to 1/8 of a teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight per day.   There is no doubt that many excellent supplements for dogs are on the market today. Many of the most natural supplements utilize common items that you may already have in your pantry. By utilizing your own spices to improve your dog's health, you can be sure you are using fresh, organic and safe spices to help your dog live a healthier life.

Obedience training can prove frustrating and overwhelming. When your puppy refuses to relieve himself outside or Lassie keeps snatching food off the table, it can be easy to give up and view the whole ordeal as hopeless. Rather than blowing a gasket and losing control of the situation, rely on a few simple rules to ensure you see obedience training through to the end.   The key to training any dog is to always remain calm. No matter how dire the situation, if you react in a collected manner, your dog will respond leagues better than when you're frazzled and shouting. Aggravation will only serve to further excite the dog, resulting in an escalation of their undesired behavior.   Cover the basics and work up from the foundations. Before you try anything else, train your dog important commands such as sit, down, stay, come, heel, off, and leave it. These seven commands cover a wide range of scenarios, from ankle biting, to food stealing, to barking at the doorbell, and equip you with the basic tools to control your dog. Coupled with a calm attitude, your dog will listen to whatever you have to say.   Positive reinforcement will teach your dog that good behavior is a happy thing correlated with love and tasty food. Praise and affection delivered at the appropriate time -- when the dog is relaxed, paying attention to you, or following commands -- will encourage continued obedience. Treats can be used to associate tricks, grooming, walks, and relaxation with feeling good and being happy. Food can also be used to distract dogs from bad behavior, such as leash pulling and barking, by preoccupying them with something much more worthwhile.   When disciplining your dog, only ever issue corrections when you catch him in the act. If you scold a dog an hour after he's soiled the rug, he may look guilty, but he'll have no idea why he's being punished. Calling a dog and proceeding to reprimand him will only cause confusion, as from the dog's point of view, he's being punished for coming over. Never shout at or strike your dog. Such actions may traumatize the animal, incite aggression, or damage the partnership bond between owner and pet. Short leash jerks and other physical corrections should only be used when absolutely necessary, such as cases of aggression or biting, as positive reinforcement can achieve the same results in a more pleasant way for the dog.   Training dogs can be vexing, especially when one step forward feels like two steps back. But so long as you remain calm and upbeat, your dog will respond in kind. Results may not be instantaneous, and some dogs are more problematic than others, but a few simple rules will ensure any dog can become obedient given time, hard work, and lots of love.

Once you've prepared your home and chosen your dog, the next important steps are training and socialization. It is highly recommended that you take a short dog training course with a professional trainer. That will ensure basic obedience training is dealt with in a thorough and timely manner. Socializing your dog means getting him used to being around other people, animals and traffic. He will have to learn appropriate behavior in such situations. It is your job to teach him. Fortunately, most dogs are eager to please their owners and acquire new skills quickly.   For your dog's well-being, you should have him inoculated and micro-chipped at the earliest opportunity. Once you've done that, he can safely go out for walks. Socialization begins with habituation. It is important to expose your dog to a wide variety of situations every day so he can begin to get used to them.   Puppies are easier to teach as their young minds are still impressionable. An older dog can be more difficult to re-educate. However, with patience and care there should not be too many problems along the way.   Socializing your dog involves getting the balance right between discipline and confidence. A puppy's first experiences of the world at large can be overwhelming. He may be frightened of traffic, urban noise and other people. In this case, you need to help him build his confidence. The best way to do that is by showing him that you are not afraid. It is also important to reassure him with kind words and cuddles. On the other hand, he may need to learn to control his instincts. If the sight of every toddler, bird or other dog leads to him barking and pulling at the leash, then you will need to teach him discipline.    When you discipline your dog, you should always be firm but never angry. Speak clearly and directly in a tone of command but never shout. In most cases, restraining your dog on the leash and giving him a verbal a command will be sufficient. In rare cases, it is acceptable to give him a short, sharp tap on the muzzle with your fingers. However, remember that the idea here is not to hurt your dog. The tap should be painless and serve only to ensure his attention to your verbal command.   When meeting other people, you should feel confident that your dog will not jump up at them. During first encounters, always keep your dog on a short leash and give him the command to 'sit'. If he tries to jump up, restrain him and give him the command, 'No'.  When he behaves correctly, give him a treat and tell him he's a good boy!   When meeting other dogs the same initial caution should be exercised.  Most dogs will greet one another with a bit of sniffing and tail-wagging. Occasionally, males can be more aggressive. Again, keep your dog on a short leash for the first encounter.  If he or the other dog becomes aggressive, walk away.   If you are out in the country, it is your responsibility to ensure that your dog doesn't trouble any livestock or wildlife. Always keep him on a leash. Even the quietest dog can be overwhelmed by the sudden instinct to give chase. As training progresses and you come to trust your dog, you will be able to let him run free in appropriate places but it is still your responsibility to be vigilant and restrain him as necessary. A combination of professional obedience training and daily education should result very quickly in a happy, trustworthy and well socialized dog.

Having a dog with separation anxiety isn't that uncommon. Many dogs experience it, especially those who were adopted. Separation anxiety occurs when the owners leave the home or the room. When left alone, dogs with separation anxiety will usually bark, whine, howl, be destructive, try to escape the home or place they are confined, and may urinate or defecate inside the home.    Sometimes, the behaviors associated with separation anxiety can be deterred through training. The training doesn't focus on curbing these behaviors, but instead focuses on easing the dog's separation anxiety when you leave. The training can be summarized in two words--leave often. Begin the training by leaving for a few short minutes. Before leaving, follow the routine you would if you were to leave for work or to run errands. This includes picking up your keys, purse, phone, wallet, and whatever else you might bring with you when you leave the house. After you walk out the door, stay quiet, out of sight, and near the home. The first time you attempt this training, stay outside for about five minutes before entering the home again. It is important to wait until the dog is quiet before entering the home. Continue to do this and leave for longer periods each time you attempt it. This helps the dog to understand that you haven't left them forever.   While training can help to alleviate separation anxiety for some dogs, other dogs have a much more severe case. If the training hasn't eased your dog's separation anxiety, talk to your vet. There are medications that can help dogs deal with their separation anxiety. While this may seem like an extreme step to some, for others it's essential. Having a dog placed on an anxiety medication can help keep them calm while you're away, and prevent them from injuring themselves. Once a dog is properly medicated, the training discussed above should be added to the regimen to help ease the dog's separation anxiety even more.   If you aren't comfortable medicating your dog, there are some other options. Some vets say that using calming oils, such as lavender, can help to relax the dog. There are other options available that uses pheromones to help relax the dog which are usually available at your local pet store.   The important thing to know is that there is no right answer when it comes to easing separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is different for every dog so it's important to be flexible about finding a solution. Don't be afraid to talk to your vet as they may have some other helpful suggestions.

A dog's diet is one of the biggest influences on its health, longevity, and overall quality of life. Making better decisions about what you feed your dog has never been more important than now. With regular recalls on national brands, and associated pet casualties, dog owners should know more about what they are feeding their pets and have a responsibility to their best friend to choose wisely on their behalf.    With the variety of brands, package sizes, and promises, it can easily become overwhelming to select a food that is worthy of your dog. Turn those packages over, and locate the ingredient panel. This is all you need. Finding the perfect food to fit your budget and keep your dog happy and healthy can be a little less daunting the next time around if you keep these three simple rules in mind while reading those labels.  1. The First Ingredient: Meat is a Must A savvy consumer can easily weed out a handful of unworthy brands in a hurry, using the very first ingredient listed on the package. Meat should always appear first on the list. The position of an ingredient on the list tells you how much of it is contained within. The higher the position it holds on the list, the higher the content of that particular ingredient there will be.    If you select a lamb based food, the first ingredient should read "deboned lamb", or simply "lamb". If you select a chicken variety, the label should read "deboned chicken", or "chicken". 2. No Corn, Wheat, or Soy. Ever. This is very straight forward. Corn, wheat, and soy are all unnecessary fillers. They are attractive raw materials for dog food manufacturers because of their low cost. Don't select a food with these products listed anywhere on the label. Dogs may experience a host of problems, including seizures, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal issues if kept on a diet consisting of these ingredients.    Some food brands advertise soy as an extra source of protein in their product. While a seemingly attractive claim, a true quality feed will be rich in meat protein.  3. Avoid By-Products If any sort of "by-product" appears anywhere on the label, do not buy it. Remember that "by-product" is a fancy term for "garbage", and you don't want to feed that to your best friend.    While it's a priority to get your pup eating a better diet, it's also very important to always switch a dog to a new food slowly. Start by introducing small amounts of the new food into the dog's old food, mixing it in. Gradually increase the ratio of new food to old daily over the course of several days or longer. Taking time to make the switch will help to avoid potential gas, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort. When switching to a higher quality food, it is even more crucial to introduce the new food gradually, as quality foods are richer, higher in protein, and are more likely to be symptomatic if a change is made too rapidly.    Always check with your veterinarian if you have concerns over possible food intolerance, allergies, or weight management issues that may need to be addressed with a specialized diet. For further reading, be sure to check out this awesome best dog food review and buyer's guide by our friends at The Daily Shep. 

Numerous diseases can affect your pet dog. Some are more serious and contagious and some are preventable, so it's important for owners to understand the symptoms and clinical signs which could point to their dog suffering from a common disease.   Kennel Cough   Many bacterial infections (e.g. bordetella, parainfluenza, adenovirus) cause kennel cough. It's called kennel cough because it's commonly found among dogs living in kennel environments, such as boarding and rescue shelters. Fortunately, vets can treat it, but it's still important to catch it early enough to prevent the cough from progressing and making the dog seriously ill.   Signs that your dog has kennel cough include a hacking cough, phlegm, a high temperature, sneezing, gagging and vomiting.   Your vet can administer a simple nasal spray vaccine each year. Many boarding shelters won't allow a dog to stay with them unless they've had this vaccine.   Allergic Dermatitis   Allergic dermatitis is a disorder of the skin caused by an allergic reaction to flea bites, food, pollen or shampoos. To treat allergic dermatitis, you must find and remove what's causing it. Antibiotics are necessary for treating bacterial infections and in severe cases your dog will need a corticosteroid injection.   Signs of allergic dermatitis include dry, flaky skin, persistent itching, chewing at their feet and tail, hair loss, lumps and bumps across their skin, open wounds and excessively waxy ears.   It's important for a vet to check your dog if it has any of these signs so you're sure to administer the correct treatment.   Dental Disease   Dogs must have their teeth cleaned and checked as often as humans do. Dental disease is extremely common among dogs, especially those kept on an unhealthy diet and fed lots of "bad" treats such as "human food".   Some common signs of dental disease include bad breath (halitosis), stains on their teeth, build-up of plaque and tartar, loose or broken teeth, bleeding gums and abscesses and infections around the mouth.   Rotting teeth can lead to abscesses if you leave them untreated, and the infection can enter the bloodstream, leading to more severe conditions such as kidney disease.   Gastrointestinal Disorders (a.k.a. GI Disorders)   Dogs are scavengers, often eating something they shouldn't and getting intestinal problems as a result. However, GI disorders don't only occur when your dog eats something bad -- they can be an allergic reaction to their normal diet, a secondary infection due to bacteria or a virus, or even caused by a blockage. It's vital to get any GI symptoms checked by a vet to make sure there's nothing more serious going on.   Symptoms of GI disorders include vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, a high temperature, blood-streaked stools, flatulence and weakness and lethargy   If you catch them early enough, GI symptoms are treatable. You can help prevent intestinal problems by making sure your dog is fed a well-balanced diet, with access to plenty of fresh water and regular exercise.   Urinary Tract Disease   Urinary tract diseases are extremely painful and can lead to severe infections. Crystals or stones form in either the kidneys or the bladder, then pass into the urinary tract and cause an infection. Just like in humans, a crystal or stone that gets stuck in the tract can cause severe pain and become dangerous. Dogs can also suffer from idiopathic cystitis, which means the problem is caused by reasons such as stress.   Common symptoms of urinary tract disease include frequent urination or the inability to pass urine, straining to urinate (arching their back while urinating), bloody urine, vomiting and a high temperature.   Urinary tract diseases are fairly common and easy to treat. However, some blockages require a simple removal procedure under local or general anaesthesia.   Kidney Disease   Your pet's kidneys remove waste and toxins from their blood and regulate fluids. The kidneys can get infected or diseased, leading to the dog showing symptoms ranging from mild to severe. A bacterial or viral infection can cause kidney disease. Sometimes it's a secondary infection due to an underlying cause such as rotting teeth or abscesses.   When a kidney infection occurs, your pet may experience loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, the inability to urinate, a high temperature, flaky skin, vomiting, depression and lethargy.   Kidney diseases and infections are fatal if left untreated. Ask your vet to check if you see any of these symptoms and treat the condition immediately.   Obesity   Obesity is one of the most frequent problems seen in dogs. Common causes include overfeeding, pampering and a lack of exercise. However, some medical conditions can also lead to obesity, such as an imbalance in hormones. Obesity can lead to weakness in the joints, diabetes and heart conditions.   Some of the common symptoms of obesity include excessive appetite, dramatic weight gain and a reluctance to exercise.   Many veterinary clinics hold 'Weight Watchers' clinics to encourage dogs to lose weight. These also serve to help owners understand the problem and correct their own behaviour!   It's important to keep your dog healthy to prevent disease. Make sure your pet has their yearly vaccines, you regularly treat it for parasites and you feed it a balanced diet with plenty of fresh water. Add regular exercise to make sure your animal companion lives the best life possible.

Walking two or more dogs can be a lot for one person to handle. But for many dog walkers, there isn't time in the day to take separate walks with each dog they own. Still, all dogs need exercise, and walking is one of the best ways for them to get it. So how can you walk multiple dogs safely and effectively? The short answer is, with care and caution. Beyond that, there are some valuable tips that will help make your daily walk with two or more dogs a successful venture.   Invest is good dog walking equipment. A durable, functional leash is necessary when walking one dog, but it becomes extra important when walking two or more dogs. Two- and three-way couplers that attach to a single leash can eliminate the problem of multiple leashes becoming tangled; however, a separate leash for each dog or a dual leash may be easier for dogs that need room to roam. Leashes should be non-retractable, no longer than six feet, and made of strong material. They should also have comfortable, easy-to-grip handles. Well-fitted dog collars are a must, too, although pinch collars, gentle leaders, or harnesses may be needed for dogs that pull.   Practice walking multiple dogs at home. Walking multiple dogs takes patience and skill--and practice. Before you start a routine of walking two or more dogs, make sure they're individually trained to walk on a leash. Leash training is best accomplished at a training facility, but once your dogs are proficient at it, you can work at home on teaching them to walk together. Be sure to also practice basic commands, like "heel" and "leave it," as these skills will come in handy when walking on the sidewalks and paths. Once you've mastered leash walking multiple dogs at home, begin your outdoor routine with short walks in distraction-free areas.   Clothe yourself and your dogs properly. Dressing appropriately for dog walking will help keep you and your dogs comfortable and make your walks more enjoyable. Besides donning good walking shoes, you'll want to wear adequate clothing, including a weather-proof jacket, sensible layers, hats, and gloves, if necessary. But while choosing what you should wear, don't forget about your dogs. They may need specific walking attire, too, especially if they tend to become chilled or overheated during exercise. Dog jackets, coats, and snow boots are all useful for walking in cold or rainy weather. Cooling vests can be helpful for dogs that get too warm.    Don't leave home without dog walking essentials. Before you leave the house with multiple dogs in tow, make sure you have basic dog walking essentials with you. Items to carry when walking two or more dogs include several poop bags, multiple treats, water for you and your dogs, an extra leash should one break, a whistle or other dog deterrent, and your cell phone in case of an emergency. Keep a mental checklist of these items and then go over it before you head out the door. You can carry the items in a fanny pack fastened around your waist, a shoulder pouch, or a dog backpack--all which allow you to keep your hands free for leash handling.   Avoid hazardous walking paths and inclement weather. When walking two or more dogs at once, take extra precautions to walk in areas that are free of hazards and unexpected dangers. It's best to avoid high-traffic walking routes, where you might encounter aggressive animals or throngs of bikers, joggers, or other large groups of people. Even walking along paths that buzz with wildlife can be distracting to one or more of your dogs and disrupt your walk--or worse, cause an injury. Be sure to stay sky aware as well. If the weather calls for storms, postpone your walk until the skies clear. Likewise, avoid after-dark walks, when visibility is poor.   Be the pack leader for your dogs. A calm and confident dog walker usually begets calm, confident dogs, so aim to be a composed leader for your walking companions. If you're confronted with an uncertain situation while walking multiple dogs, the way you handle it can make all the difference to your dogs and how they react. By calmly diverting their attention to a toy or treat, getting them to refocus on you, or changing routes, you can turn a worrisome encounter into an easily overcome obstacle. Even if just one dog senses panic in you, he could make a bad situation worse by startling all the dogs. Stay cool, and your dogs will follow suit.   Walking multiple dogs is a time saver, fun bonding activity, and productive way to exercise your furry companions. Just make sure you're adequately prepared for the task and that you put safety first. A successful outing with your dogs will benefit the entire pack--including you.

If your family is adopting a rescue dog, you may have some concerns about how your child and new dog will interact with one another. Involve your child in welcoming your new dog into your home and in taking part in pet care. This will ensure that your child will be able to build a strong relationship with the family dog for years to come. Here are five things you can do to help your child and rescue dog form a bond.   1. Picking Out a Dog Learning more about the dog adoption process and why adopting a rescue dog over other options can be rewarding. Involving your child in the process can teach them valuable life lessons. By seeing a shelter or adoption agency first hand, your child will learn compassion and become a lifelong supporter of animal care. Let them navigate through available dogs. The right dog might just approach your child and will set the tone for your child to be a great dog owner.   2. Feeding and Grooming Responsibilities If your child is tasked with the responsibility of the family dog's well-being, they will take this role seriously. Your rescue dog will in turn associate your child with rewarding activities such as feeding and playtime, which will strengthen their bond. Make sure your new dog is on a schedule for feeding, and supervise this activity at first.   3. Training Routine Having a rescue dog assessed and enrolled in obedience school is a must. If you only have an idea of your rescue dog's past, then one-on-one time with a trainer will be important for you, your child, and your dog. Assessing your dog's responsiveness will set the tone for how the dog responds to basic commands from your child.   4. Assisting in Vet Visits Your child should be a part of your dog's health-care needs as well. Taking your rescue dog in for an initial checkup is a good idea in case any physical problems need to be identified. Prep your child for the vet's office so they can bring questions regarding your dog's health care. Your child may be more inclined to listen to the vet's advice over yours, which can help the overall care for your dog.   5. Having Fun Together Make sure your child and your new dog have an opportunity to have fun together. If you can make exercise with the dog more fun for your child, your new dog will have more fun as well. They can always play a game of fetch, and if your child can start to teach your dog new tricks like catching a frisbee, rolling over or giving a high five, they will become inseparable.   Rescue dogs can come with a host of limitations, but if you involve your child in the process of acclimating your new dog, your child can learn a lot about pet care. Empower your child to be a caregiver for a rescue dog, even if this is challenging in the beginning. If your new pet can learn to bond with your child, your child and dog will both benefit.

Canine influenza, popularly known as "dog flu," has become a growing concern among dog owners who haven't heard of the illness and aren't sure how to protect their pets. Some areas of the country have seen wide outbreaks of the illness, with some dogs becoming very ill from the disease. Here are a few facts you should know about "dog flu".    What Is Canine Influenza? Dog flu is a respiratory disease that is caused by virus transmission. Canine influenza is much like human influenza in that it can be transmitted from animal to animal and can cause serious complications. Two different pathogens transmit dog flu, the H3N8 virus and the H3N2 virus. The disease can cause severe respiratory illness and expensive veterinary bills to treat the animal.   What Are the Symptoms of Dog Flu? Dog flu symptoms are similar to human influenza symptoms. However, some dogs will not have any symptoms. The dog may exhibit:   · Runny nose   · Fever   · Loss of appetite   · Lethargy, fatigue   · Severe cough that can worsen and develop into pneumonia   How Is Dog Flu Spread? Any dog can get dog flu, but it is most common in environments where large numbers of dogs are together, such as in kennels or animal shelters. Doggie day care facilities and dog parks are other places where dogs can come into contact with infected animals. The dogs may come into contact with respiratory secretions spread by sneezing or coughing. Dogs can also get the disease from contaminated objects, such as water bowls or dog toys. You should keep your dog away from any dog that has a runny nose or cough to prevent contagion.   Can People the Flu From Their Dogs? No cases of transmission of this type of flu have made the leap from canine species to human species. However, influenza viruses are notoriously adaptive. The H3N2 virus has adapted from birds to dogs and has also infected cats. The H3N8 virus leapt from horses to dogs. If evidence of transmission is seen, public health agencies and veterinarians will alert pet owners to inform them about what new precautions should be taken.   Is There A Test For Dog Flu? A test for canine influenza virus is available to help owners determine if their dog has been exposed to the viruses.   How is Dog Flu Treated? Veterinary treatment for dog flu involves supportive care to relieve severe coughing and prevent secondary infection of the lungs. Dogs may require attention to fluid intake and may have difficulty eating.   Is There A Vaccine For Dog Flu? An approved vaccine against the H3N8 virus is available. However, it is not known whether this vaccine will protect against H3N2 virus infection. Ask your veterinarian if the vaccine will be helpful for dogs in your area of the country.   How Can I Protect My Dog From Getting Dog Flu? If an outbreak occurs in your community, stay away from dog parks and other areas where large groups of dogs make it easy to transmit the disease. If you encounter an animal that may be sick, take your dog away from the area. If you have multiple dogs, isolate sick individuals from the others until you are certain of the cause of the illness.   Common sense precautions can help to protect your dog in areas where canine influenza has become widespread. Talk to your veterinarian about further actions you can take to keep your dog well and thriving.

Children should know how to honor the feelings and boundaries of other living creatures, whether human or not, and these conduct codes are particularly important with respect to dogs. From an early age, kids should learn what behaviors are acceptable and which are not, and that includes being light-handed when it comes to their interactions with dogs. These rules are necessary to learn whether you have a family dog or not. Sooner or later your child will interact with a dog, whether it is the pet of a another person in a supervised setting or an encounter with an unfamiliar dog in a park or on the street. The following safety guidelines are important for children of all ages to be made aware of.   Be Light-Handed   Children often don't realize how rough they may be, nor do they necessarily know that even though they're playing, the dog may not take it as such and could retaliate. Teaching children how to be mild, gentle and in control when excited and playful will be of great benefit to them on many occasions in their lives, not only when interacting with dogs.   When your little one is around a dog, demonstrate to them the way to pet softly. Avoid allowing them to yank on the dog's fur and ears, but instead a soft stroking of the dog's coat, or brief graze of its ears is acceptable. Avoid letting them clutch onto patches of hair, and teach them to be especially careful of and not to tug on the dog's tail, which is always a sensitive spot for a dog and best avoided. If your child tends to be rambunctious or heavy-handed, use a toy or stuffed animal to demonstrate the proper way to pet first. A real dog may not be as tolerant of grasping hands as you might assume.   The Correct Procedure   As soon as they're old enough to comprehend, you should instruct your kids on the proper and non-threatening way to approach a dog. But what exactly is the appropriate manner to approach a dog? If it's a strange or unknown dog, it's best to first approach his master and request permission. Once permission is granted, your child should know to approach the dog calmly and gradually and avoid boisterously running up to it. Teach your child that offering out your hand to the dog with the palm facing down and letting him or her sniff you is the most common and safe way to get acquainted with a dog. Let him decide how close he wants to get. While lots of dogs thrive on human attention, others are also often the type that is "shy at first, but warms up quickly," so the first couple of seconds of any initial encounter are crucial. The proper approach can encourage the dog to come closer to your child for affection, or even flip onto his or her back for a belly rub.   The Smell of Fear   Make sure you don't raise your kids to be afraid of all dogs, even though you yourself secretly may be. A parent's fear is contagious to their child, and if they see you react to any dog fearfully they will likely pick up that behavior. This may cause your kids to respond to an unfamiliar dog in an improper fashion that may confuse the animal and incite him to act unpredictably. Rather than being afraid or running away in panic, show them how they should respect the bounds of dogs and other animals.   Encountering a Threatening and Unfamiliar Dog When No Owner Is in Sight   It is critical to teach your kids to maintain a calm demeanor when being approached by a strange and possibly growling dog. Don't jump on your first instinct to scream in terror and run. In an authoritative but not overly loud tone of voice, instruct the dog to leave. If it remains, don't freak out.   Since dogs communicate primarily through body language, teach your child the right way to interpret their signals. A dog that is simply curious will often have its ears straight up and its tail wagging while standing in a relaxed posture. In this case, don't run -- simply walk calmly and steadily away.   A dog that feels threatened or agitated often flattens its ears down onto its head and has a stiff body posture, while his tail might be swaying slowly or completely rigid. Avoid making sudden movements or screaming loudly, both of which are often potential triggers for an uncomfortable or irritable dog to attack. Instead tell him to leave firmly and retreat slowly and calmly, without showing fear. Should the dog jump to attack, it is better for kids to drop to their knees with their head tucked downward and protected by their arms in a classic "turtle" posture, and to call out for help.   Don't Run in Fear From A Dog   The turtle and tree postures are better at diffusing a dog's aggression than running, which will only serve to activate a dog's reaction to "prey" behavior, and a dog which might have been satisfied just sitting and growling may abruptly follow in fierce pursuit. Even if a dog only means to play with a child, its inborn predatory response triggered by running can cause it to cross the line between playing and attacking.   Don't Disturb a Dog While It is Eating   This is an important rule kids should be educated about, especially if your dog tends to be territorial and protective of their food. Kids won't naturally know about the potential danger of approaching an eating dog, so it's wise to clue them in on the fact that being defensive while eating is an inborn tendency in dogs passed down to them from their ancestors that had to scavenge and fight for every scrap of food. In the instant a child unwittingly bothers a dog as it eats, the animal can seem to adopt an aggressive personality that may confuse and bewilder a child unaware of a dog's potential to instinctively behave this way.   Don't Leave a Child Alone With a Dog   This may seem like common sense, but a dog may be more prone to be aggressive with a child if it is missing the security of its adult owner being around. Likewise, a child may be more likely to agitate or do things to a dog they've been instructed not to, simply out of curiosity and the "testing" instinct. This may easily set the dog off and cause it to attack.   The Importance of Hygiene   Stress to your kids the necessity of washing their hands after petting or playing with a dog. Dogs are not the most sanitary creatures from a human standpoint, and germs, parasites or bacteria that a dog may be adapted to may have a dangerous impact on your child's health if they do not disinfect properly after contact.   The best way to ensure your kid's welfare when interacting with dogs is to educate them thoroughly on safety behaviors. Both children and dogs are naturally curious, and this curiosity can potentially cause interactions between them to turn ugly. Assuaging your child's curiosity by cluing them in on the reasons for certain safety behaviors with dogs is the best prevention for such dangers. Don't undervalue the importance of teaching your child how to play with a dog simply because you don't have a pet. Eventually they will be in an environment out of your supervision and in the presence of a dog. Prepare them for it.