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Kids and dogs are a complex equation. Children tend to lean to one extreme or the other: intense attraction or real fear. It can be tricky to cope if your kids rush to embrace fluffy puppies and menacing curs with indiscriminate love. Teaching your children the correct way to approach a dog, whether strange or familiar, is the best way to curtail the possibility of attack.

Ensure they always ask the dog owner for permission to approach. If permission is granted, teach them to curl their fingers and allow the dog to sniff the back of their hand.

Children also need to understand the signals dogs broadcast – the PetNet website is a good start – visit www.petnet.com.au and click on ’PetLovers’, then ‘Dogs ‘N’ Kids’.

Photography: Sam McAdam.