As our kids head back-to-school, they may encounter some unfamiliar dogs along the way. It’s important that kids know how to approach a strange dog correctly and react appropriately if the dog shows any sign of aggression. This quiz is critical to prevent dog bites!

1. What should you do if a strange dog starts running at you?
   1. Run as fast as you can and hide
   2. Yell as loud as you can to distract him
   3. Stand total still and cover your face with your hands
2. Small, friendly dogs don’t bite.
   1. True
   2. False
3. What should you do if a dog knocks you over?
   1. Roll into a ball, cover your face, and lie still
   2. Fight back by hitting the dog as hard as you can
   3. Pick yourself up and run
4. When should you stay away from a dog?
   1. If it is eating
   2. If he is sleeping
   3. If a dog is in his crate
   4. All of the above
5. Is it okay to tease a dog or take his toys?
   1. Yes
   2. No
6. How should you approach a strange dog?
   1. Ask the owner for permission to pet the dog
   2. Get down on your hands and knees so you are at eye level with the dog
   3. Run toward him
7. Is it okay to ride a bigger dog like a horse?
   1. Yes
   2. No
8. What should you do if you want to give a dog a treat?
   1. Give it to the dog because all dogs love treats
   2. Ask the owner first and let the dog lick the treat out of your hand
   3. Ask the owner first and place the treat on the ground
9. What should you do if a dog is chasing you while you are bike riding?
   1. Pedal as fast as you can while screaming “go away”
   2. Stop your bike and stand still behind it
   3. Check if there is a tag on his collar so you can find the owner
10. What happens if your Frisbee goes into your neighbor’s yard that have a dog?
    1. Ask an adult to get it from the back yard
    2. Have an older brother or sister hop the fence to get it
    3. Run quickly into the yard, get the Frisbee and come back
11. Do dogs like to be hugged and kissed?
    1. Yes
    2. No
    3. Only some dogs like to be hugged, kissed and petted
12. It is okay to pet a dog that is tied up or behind a fence.
    1. Yes
    2. No
13. It is okay to stare at a dog directly into his eyes.
    1. Yes
    2. No

Answers:

1. C. Don’t run away from the dog. He will run after you, potentially thinking it is a game. Cover your face, stand as still as a tree and protect your face from bites.
2. B. Any dog can bite if provoked.
3. A. Curl up into a ball and protect your face against bites. Although instinct tell you to run, the dog will just chase you. Dogs often bite kids on the head, neck or face because kids are around the same height as a dog and they can crawl into small, low places where the dog can reach.
4. D. If a dog is eating, sleeping, chewing or in his crate, do not bother him. The bed or crate is the dog’s space to be left alone. A dog needs a comfortable, safe place where the child never goes.
5. B. It is never okay to tease a dog, or take their toys, treats or food.
6. A. When the owner is with their dog, always ask the owner for permission to pet their dog. Don’t ever pet a dog without asking first — even if it’s a dog you know, or a dog that’s seemed friendly toward you before. Never squat down for a dog because that may make it harder to get away. Never run toward a dog.
7. B. It is never okay to pull a dog’s ears or tail or try and ride the dog.
8. C. Before you give any dog a treat, ask the owner first because you never know what foods or treats a dog may be allergic to. Place all treats on the ground because if you place your hand out, the dog may inadvertently nip or bite you.
9. B. Yelling or screaming at a dog will not deter him. Instead, stand perfectly still. Never should a child try and get close enough to an unfamiliar dog to check its identification.
10. A. Even the friendliest dog can be unpredictable when startled. Always send an adult to fetch a ball or Frisbee or ask the owner’s themselves.
11. C. Not all dogs like to be hugged, kissed or petted. This is a major source of dog bites in children.
12. B. Never approach a dog that is behind a fence or tied up. He can still bite your hand or face if you get close enough.
13. B. Never stare at a dog directly in the eye. He may think of this as a threatening gesture or a sign of aggression that you are looking for a fight.