Nearly one thousand people per day in the US visit the ER for a serious dog bite. The simple fact is that dogs pay attention to our cues more than we do theirs — and that goes for our own pets, too. Up to 80 percent of dog bites happen at home — and most happen to kids under the age of 10.

So, let’s teach children how to safely approach dogs. First, always ask if it’s okay to pet a dog and look to see if the dog is interested, too.  Is she wagging her tail? Or is she backing away, bristling or growling? Approach slowly and offer the back of your hand for a sniff. Never reach over a dog’s head — that’s scary to them. The best places for pets are on a dog’s neck, chest, side and upper back.

Kids and dogs are a classic pairing, so let’s teach them how to stay safe together.